Difference between revisions of "The Precepts"
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<poem> | <poem> | ||
− | The '''[[precepts]]''' are a condensed form of [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|ethical}} practice. They are often compared with the ten commandments of {{Wiki|Christianity}}, however, the [[precepts]] are different in two respects: First, they are to be taken as recommendations, not commandments. This means the individual is encouraged to use his/her own {{Wiki|intelligence}} to apply these rules in the best possible way. Second, it is the {{Wiki|spirit}} of the [[precepts]] -not the text- that counts, hence, the guidelines for {{Wiki|ethical}} conduct must be seen in the larger context of the [[Eightfold Path]]. | + | The '''[[precepts]]''' are a condensed [[form]] of [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|ethical}} practice. They are often compared with the ten commandments of {{Wiki|Christianity}}, however, the [[precepts]] are different in two respects: First, they are to be taken as recommendations, not commandments. This means the {{Wiki|individual}} is encouraged to use his/her own {{Wiki|intelligence}} to apply these rules in the best possible way. Second, it is the {{Wiki|spirit}} of the [[precepts]] -not the text- that counts, hence, the guidelines for {{Wiki|ethical}} conduct must be seen in the larger context of the [[Eightfold Path]]. |
− | The first [[five precepts]] are mandatory for every [[Buddhist]], although the fifth [[precept]] is often not observed, because it bans the consumption of alcohol. [[Precepts]] no. six to ten are laid out for those in preparation for monastic life and for devoted lay people unattached to families. The eight [[precepts]] put together number eight and nine and omit the tenth. Lay people may observe the eight [[precepts]] on [[Buddhist]] festival days. Ordained [[Theravada]] [[monks]] undertake no less than 227 precepts, which are not listed here. | + | The first [[five precepts]] are mandatory for every [[Buddhist]], although the fifth [[precept]] is often not observed, because it bans the consumption of [[alcohol]]. [[Precepts]] no. six to ten are laid out for those in [[preparation]] for [[monastic]] [[life]] and for devoted [[lay people]] unattached to families. The eight [[precepts]] [[put together]] number eight and nine and omit the tenth. [[Lay people]] may observe the eight [[precepts]] on [[Buddhist]] festival days. [[Ordained]] [[Theravada]] [[monks]] undertake no less than 227 [[precepts]], which are not listed here. |
I undertake to observe the [[precept]] to abstain from ... | I undertake to observe the [[precept]] to abstain from ... | ||
− | ...harming living beings....taking things not freely given....sexual misconduct....false {{Wiki|speech}}....intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness....taking untimely meals....dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime....use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment....use of high seats....accepting gold or silver. | + | ...harming living beings....taking things not freely given....sexual misconduct....false {{Wiki|speech}}....intoxicating drinks and [[drugs]] causing heedlessness....taking untimely meals....dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime....use of garlands, [[perfumes]] and personal adornment....use of high seats....accepting {{Wiki|gold}} or silver. |
− | (adapted from The Word of the [[Buddha]], [[Niyamatolika]], The [[Buddhist]] Publication Society, 1971, p xii) | + | (adapted from The Word of the [[Buddha]], [[Niyamatolika]], The [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}}, 1971, p xii) |
− | The above phrasing of the [[precepts]] is very concise and leaves much open to interpretation. One might ask, for example, what exactly constitutes false {{Wiki|speech}}, what are untimely meals, what constitutes sexual misconduct, or whether a glass of wine causes heedlessness. And, the grotesque mime watching of the seventh precept sounds perhaps a bit outdated. The [[Buddhist]] [[master]] Thich Nath Hanh has formulated The Five [[Mindfulness]] Trainings, which are an adaptation of the first five [[Buddhist]] [[precepts]]. These are practised by [[Buddhists]] of the Lam Te [[Dhyana]] school. By virtue of their sensible phrasing and their relevance to modern lifestyle, these "trainings" provide a valuable foundation of ethics for all of humanity. | + | The above phrasing of the [[precepts]] is very concise and leaves much open to interpretation. One might ask, for example, what exactly constitutes false {{Wiki|speech}}, what are untimely meals, what constitutes sexual misconduct, or whether a glass of wine [[causes]] heedlessness. And, the grotesque mime watching of the seventh [[precept]] sounds perhaps a bit outdated. The [[Buddhist]] [[master]] Thich Nath Hanh has formulated The Five [[Mindfulness]] Trainings, which are an [[adaptation]] of the first five [[Buddhist]] [[precepts]]. These are practised by [[Buddhists]] of the Lam Te [[Dhyana]] school. By [[virtue]] of their sensible phrasing and their relevance to modern lifestyle, these "trainings" provide a valuable foundation of [[ethics]] for all of [[humanity]]. |
The Five [[Mindfulness]] Trainings | The Five [[Mindfulness]] Trainings | ||
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-First Training- | -First Training- | ||
− | Aware of the [[suffering]] caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating [[compassion]] and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life. | + | Aware of the [[suffering]] [[caused]] by the [[destruction]] of [[life]], I am committed to cultivating [[compassion]] and {{Wiki|learning}} ways to protect the [[lives]] of [[people]], [[animals]], [[plants]], and minerals. I am determined not [[to kill]], not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the [[world]], in my [[thinking]], and in my way of [[life]]. |
[[File:Skandhas 01.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Skandhas 01.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
-Second Training- | -Second Training- | ||
− | Aware of the [[suffering]] caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am committed to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth. | + | Aware of the [[suffering]] [[caused]] by exploitation, {{Wiki|social}} injustice, [[stealing]], and oppression, I am committed to cultivate [[loving kindness]] and learn ways to work for the well-being of [[people]], [[animals]], [[plants]], and minerals. I am committed to practice [[generosity]] by sharing my [[time]], [[energy]], and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will [[respect]] the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from [[human]] [[suffering]] or the [[suffering]] of other species on [[Earth]]. |
-Third Training- | -Third Training- | ||
− | Aware of the [[suffering]] caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct. | + | Aware of the [[suffering]] [[caused]] by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of {{Wiki|individuals}}, couples, families, and {{Wiki|society}}. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without [[love]] and a long-term commitment. To preserve the [[happiness]] of myself and others, I am determined to [[respect]] my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my [[power]] to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from [[being]] broken by sexual misconduct. |
-Fourth Training- | -Fourth Training- | ||
− | Aware of the [[suffering]] caused by unmindful {{Wiki|speech}} and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivate loving {{Wiki|speech}} and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their [[suffering]]. Knowing that words can create happiness or [[suffering]], I am committed to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire [[self]]-confidence, joy, and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticise or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small. | + | Aware of the [[suffering]] [[caused]] by unmindful {{Wiki|speech}} and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivate [[loving]] {{Wiki|speech}} and deep listening in [[order]] to bring [[joy]] and [[happiness]] to others and relieve others of their [[suffering]]. [[Knowing]] that words can create [[happiness]] or [[suffering]], I am committed to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire [[self]]-[[confidence]], [[joy]], and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not [[know]] to be certain and not to criticise or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can [[cause]] division or discord, or that can [[cause]] the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small. |
-Fifth Training- | -Fifth Training- | ||
− | Aware of the [[suffering]] caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivate good health, both {{Wiki|physical}} and [[mental]], for myself, my family, and my society by practising mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I am committed to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practising a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society. | + | Aware of the [[suffering]] [[caused]] by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivate good health, both {{Wiki|physical}} and [[mental]], for myself, my family, and my {{Wiki|society}} by practising [[mindful]] eating, drinking, and consuming. I am committed to ingest only items that preserve [[peace]], well-being, and [[joy]] in my [[body]], in my [[consciousness]], and in the collective [[body]] and [[consciousness]] of my family and {{Wiki|society}}. I am determined not to use [[alcohol]] or any other intoxicant or to ingest [[foods]] or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, [[books]], films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my [[body]] or my [[consciousness]] with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my {{Wiki|society}}, and future generations. I will work to [[transform]] violence, {{Wiki|fear}}, [[anger]], and confusion in myself and in {{Wiki|society}} by practising a [[diet]] for myself and for {{Wiki|society}}. I [[understand]] that a proper [[diet]] is crucial for self-transformation and for the [[transformation]] of {{Wiki|society}}. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} |
Revision as of 15:59, 29 August 2013
The precepts are a condensed form of Buddhist ethical practice. They are often compared with the ten commandments of Christianity, however, the precepts are different in two respects: First, they are to be taken as recommendations, not commandments. This means the individual is encouraged to use his/her own intelligence to apply these rules in the best possible way. Second, it is the spirit of the precepts -not the text- that counts, hence, the guidelines for ethical conduct must be seen in the larger context of the Eightfold Path.
The first five precepts are mandatory for every Buddhist, although the fifth precept is often not observed, because it bans the consumption of alcohol. Precepts no. six to ten are laid out for those in preparation for monastic life and for devoted lay people unattached to families. The eight precepts put together number eight and nine and omit the tenth. Lay people may observe the eight precepts on Buddhist festival days. Ordained Theravada monks undertake no less than 227 precepts, which are not listed here.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from ...
...harming living beings....taking things not freely given....sexual misconduct....false speech....intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness....taking untimely meals....dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime....use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment....use of high seats....accepting gold or silver.
(adapted from The Word of the Buddha, Niyamatolika, The Buddhist Publication Society, 1971, p xii)
The above phrasing of the precepts is very concise and leaves much open to interpretation. One might ask, for example, what exactly constitutes false speech, what are untimely meals, what constitutes sexual misconduct, or whether a glass of wine causes heedlessness. And, the grotesque mime watching of the seventh precept sounds perhaps a bit outdated. The Buddhist master Thich Nath Hanh has formulated The Five Mindfulness Trainings, which are an adaptation of the first five Buddhist precepts. These are practised by Buddhists of the Lam Te Dhyana school. By virtue of their sensible phrasing and their relevance to modern lifestyle, these "trainings" provide a valuable foundation of ethics for all of humanity.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
(according to Thich Nath Hanh, www.plumvillage.org)
-First Training-
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
-Second Training-
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am committed to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
-Third Training-
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.
-Fourth Training-
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticise or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
-Fifth Training-
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practising mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I am committed to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practising a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.