Welcome to the Buddhist Boot Camp Podcast. Our intention is to awaken, enlighten, enrich, and inspire a simple and uncomplicated life. Discover the benefits of mindful living with your host, Timber Hawkeye.

The Oxford Dictionary defines integrity as being honest and having strong moral principles. Merriam-Webster takes it a step further and specifies that a person of integrity is incorruptible. That one word packs a very strong punch. If I think of

integrity in terms of honest and incorruptible, I am saddened to say that nobody comes to mind. It's difficult to admit to ourselves, let alone to others, that we all have a breaking point for corruption and dishonesty, big or small. But if I think of integrity as an intended

target, then I am relieved to say that I know many people who at least take aim.

For me, that's what the monastic vows are all about.

Clear and defined parameters to do less harm.

When I saw the words moral principles in the dictionary's definition of integrity, I immediately wondered

moral principles according to whom, according to our parents, according to our teachers, according to our teachers,

according to our preachers,

they try to teach us morality,

but are they themselves incorruptible?

I won't answer that question.

If you've read faithfully religionless, you know I have nothing against religion.

I just don't think we need it in order to be ethical.

We each calibrate our individual moral compasses through personal and collective experiences,

and that is how we build character.

I view integrity in the same light as the Zen invitation to walk on sand without leaving a footprint.

Impossible, yet we try with each step.

I regularly give talks at various organizations, schools, and churches, where each denomination offers a set of beliefs that they hope will guide their members through life.

I walk into those churches and say, your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does.

And then we talk about aligning our thoughts, words, and actions.

Last month, I was invited to speak at a Rotary International meeting again, and what I admire about Rotary

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