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- The Five Precepts
- Dr. Sunthorn Plamintr
The purpose of Buddhist moral precepts
There are three fundamental modes of training in Buddhist
practice: morality, mental culture, and wisdom. The English word morality is used to
translate the Pali term sila, although the Buddhist term contains its own
particular connotations. The word sila denotes a state of normalcy, a condition
which is basically unqualified and unadulterated. When one practices sila, one
returns to one's own basic goodness, the original state of normalcy, unperturbed and
unmodified. Killing a human being, for instance, is not basically human nature; if it
were, human beings would have ceased to exist a long time ago. A person commits an act of
killing because he or she is blinded by greed, rage or hatred. Such negative qualities as
anger, hatred, greed, ill will, and jealousy are factors that alter people's nature and
make them into something other than their true self. To practice sila is thus to
train in preserving one's true nature, not allowing it to be modified or overpowered by
negative forces.
This definition points to the objective of Buddhist morality rather than to the
practice itself, but it does give us an idea of the underlying philosophy behind the
training, as well as how the Buddhist moral precepts should be followed. These precepts
are a means to an end, they are observed for a specific objective.
On the personal level, the observance of precepts serves as the preliminary groundwork
for the cultivation of higher virtues or mental development. Sila is the most
important step on the spiritual path. Without morality, right concentration cannot be
attained, and without right concentration, wisdom cannot be fully perfected. Thus,
morality not only enhances people's ethical values and fulfills their noble status as
human beings, but it is crucial to their efforts toward the highest religious goal of Nibbana.
On the social level, sila contributes to harmonious and peaceful coexistence
among community members and consequently helps to promote social growth and development.
In a society where morality prevails and members are conscious of their roles, there will
be general security, mutual trust, and close cooperation, these in turn leading to greater
progress and prosperity. Without morality there will be corruption and disturbance, and
all members of society are adversely affected. Most of the problems that society
experiences today are connected, directly or indirectly, with a lack of good morality.
Questions of morality always concern the issues of right and wrong, good and evil. For
a moral life to be meaningful these issues must not remain mere theoretical principles,
but translated into practice. Good must be performed, evil must be given up. It is not
enough to know what is good or evil, we also need to take proper action with respect to
them. We need concrete guidelines to follow, and these are provided by the Buddhist moral
precepts. Even the oft-quoted Buddhist ideals of abstention from evil, implementation of
what is good, and perfect mental purification can be initially actualized through a
consistent practice of moral precepts. The precepts help us to live those ideals; they
teach us to do the right things and to avoid the wrong.
Buddhist moral precepts provide a wholesome foundation for personal and social growth.
They are practical principles for a good life and the cultivation of virtues. If we
understand the objectives of sila and realize its benefits, we will see moral
precepts as an integral part of life rather than as a burden that we are compelled to
shoulder. Buddhist moral precepts are not commandments imposed by force; they are a course
of training willingly undertaken in order to achieve a desired objective. We do not
practice to please a supreme being, but for our own good and the good of society. As
individuals, we need to train in morality to lead a good and noble life. On the social
level, we need to help maintain peace and harmony in society and facilitate the progress
of the common good. The practice of moral precepts is essential in this regard.
Distinguishing good and evil
The problems of good and evil, right and wrong, have been
dealt with in the discussion on kamma. Here it may suffice to give a brief
summary on the subject.
To determine whether an action is good or evil, right or wrong, Buddhist ethics takes
into account three components involved in a kammic action. The first is the intention that
motivates the action, the second is the effect the doer experiences consequent to the
action, and the third is the effect that others experience as a result of that action. If
the intention is good, rooted in positive mental qualities such as love, compassion, and
wisdom, if the result to the doer is wholesome (for instance, it helps him or her to
become more compassionate and unselfish), and if those to whom the action is directed also
experience a positive result thereof, then that action is good, wholesome, or skillful (kusala).
If, on the other hand, the action is rooted in negative mental qualities such as hatred
and selfishness, if the outcome experienced by the doer is negative and unpleasant, and if
the recipients of the action also experience undesirable effects from the action or become
more hateful and selfish, then that action is unwholesome or unskillful (akusala).
It is quite probable that on the empirical level an action may appear to be a mixture
of good and bad elements, in spite of the intention and the way it is performed. Thus, an
action committed with the best of intentions may not bring the desired result for either
the doer or the recipient. Sometimes an action based on negative intentions may produce
seemingly positive results (as stealing can produce wealth). Due to lack of knowledge and
understanding, people may confuse one set of actions with an unrelated set of results and
make wrong conclusions, or simply misjudge them on account of social values and
conventions. This can lead to misconceptions about the law of kamma and loss of
moral consciousness. This is why precepts are necessary in the practice of moral
discipline: they provide definite guidelines and help to avoid some of the confusion that
empirical observation and social conventions may entail.
Buddhist moral precepts are based on the Dhamma, and they reflect such eternal values
as compassion, respect, self-restraint, honesty, and wisdom. These are values that are
cherished by all civilizations, and their significance is universally recognized. Moral
precepts that are based on such values or directed toward their realization will always be
relevant to human society, no matter to what extent it has developed. Moreover, their
validity can be empirically tested on the basis of one's own sensitivity and conscience,
which are beyond factors of time and place. Killing, for instance, is objectionable when
considered from the perspective of oneself being the victim of the action (although when
other lives are subjected to the same act, its undesirability may not be felt as
strongly). The same is true with regard to stealing, lying, and sexual misconduct. Because
Buddhist moral precepts are grounded on these factors, their practicality remains intact
even today, and their usefulness is beyond question.
Precepts for lay Buddhists
Observance of the five precepts constitutes the minimum
moral obligation of a practicing lay Buddhist. These five precepts enjoin against killing
living beings, taking what is not given (or stealing), sexual misconduct, false speech,
and use of intoxicating drink or drugs.
The practice of Buddhist moral precepts deeply affects one's personal and social life.
The fact that they represent a course of training which one willingly undertakes rather
than a set of commandments willfully imposed by a God or supreme being is likely to have a
positive bearing upon one's conscience and awareness. On the personal level, the precepts
help one to lead a moral life and to advance further on the spiritual path. Moreover,
popular Buddhism believes that the practice of morality contributes to the accumulation of
merits that both support one in the present life and ensure happiness and prosperity in
the next. On the social level, observing the five precepts helps to promote peaceful
coexistence, mutual trust, a cooperative spirit, and general peace and harmony in society.
It also helps to maintain an atmosphere which is conducive to social progress and
development, as we can see from the practical implications of each precept.
The first precept admonishes against the destruction of life. This is based on the
principle of goodwill and respect for the right to life of all living beings. By observing
this precept one learns to cultivate loving kindness and compassion. One sees others'
suffering as one's own and endeavors to do what one can to help alleviate their problems.
Personally, one cultivates love and compassion; socially, one develops an altruistic
spirit for the welfare of others.
The second precept, not to take things which are not given, signifies respect for
others' rights to possess wealth and property. Observing the second precept, one refrains
from earning one's livelihood through wrongful means, such as by stealing or cheating.
This precept also implies the cultivation of generosity, which on a personal level helps
to free one from attachment and selfishness, and on a social level contributes to friendly
cooperation in the community.
The third precept, not to indulge in sexual misconduct, includes rape, adultery, sexual
promiscuity, paraphilia, and all forms of sexual aberration. This precept teaches one to
respect one's own spouse as well as those of others, and encourages the practice of
self-restraint, which is of utmost importance in spiritual training. It is also
interpreted by some scholars to mean the abstention from misuse of senses and includes, by
extension, non-transgression on things that are dear to others, or abstention from
intentionally hurting other's feelings. For example, a young boy may practice this
particular precept by refraining from intentionally damaging his sister's dolls. If he
does, he may be said to have committed a breach of morality. This precept is intended to
instill in us a degree of self-restraint and a sense of social propriety, with particular
emphasis on sexuality and sexual behavior.
The fourth precept, not to tell lies or resort to falsehood, is an important factor in
social life and dealings. It concerns respect for truth. A respect for truth is a strong
deterrent to inclinations or temptation to commit wrongful actions, while disregard for
the same will only serve to encourage evil deeds. The Buddha has said: "There are few
evil deeds that a liar is incapable of committing." The practice of the fourth
precept, therefore, helps to preserve one's credibility, trustworthiness, and honor.
The last of the five Buddhist moral precepts enjoins against the use of intoxicants. On
the personal level, abstention from intoxicants helps to maintain sobriety and a sense of
responsibility. Socially, it helps to prevent accidents, such as car accidents, that can
easily take place under the influence of intoxicating drink or drugs. Many crimes in
society are committed under the influence of these harmful substances. The negative
effects they have on spiritual practice are too obvious to require any explanation.
The five precepts
Theravada Buddhism preserves the Buddha's teachings and
conducts religious ceremonies mainly in the original Pali language. The five precepts are
also recited in Pali, and their meanings are generally known to most Buddhists. In the
following the original Pali text is given in italics, and the corresponding English
translation is given side by side:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of
abstaining from the destruction of life.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of
abstaining from taking that which is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of
abstaining from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of
abstaining from falsehood.
5. Suramerayamajjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the
precept of abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind and cause carelessness.
The refrain "I observe the precept of abstaining from ..." which begins every
precept clearly shows that these are not commandments. They are, indeed, moral codes of
conduct that lay Buddhists willingly undertake out of clear understanding and conviction
that they are good for both themselves and for society.
Practical application of the five precepts
Training is based on the axiomatic assumption that human
beings have the potential for development. In order that this development may be realized,
a concrete standard is needed by which people may train themselves. The five precepts are
meant to fulfill this need.
For example, compassion is a spiritual quality that we all possess to some degree.
However, without a conscious and persistent effort to develop it, this important quality
may remain rudimentary and weak. By consciously practicing the first precept, we bring
this compassion to a higher level of development and come a step closer to the realization
of the Dhamma. In the process, our conduct becomes more refined and our mind becomes more
sensitive to the problems and suffering of others. By practicing the second precept we not
only purify our livelihood but train in generosity and non-attachment. The third precept
has a direct connection with the training in sense restraint, which is an essential
feature in higher spiritual development. In fact, enlightenment is not possible without
mastery over the senses. The fourth precept deals with training in truthfulness and
virtuous speech. The objective of this precept is not only the cultivation of respect for
truth, but a way of life that is sincere and free from falsehood in every respect. Even
the fifth precept, which enjoins against the use of intoxicants, is not merely negative,
for the resultant effects that take place in the mind in terms of mental strength and
moral integrity are very positive. The observance of this precept is also a natural
precursor to the cultivation of mindfulness and wisdom, which are the essence of insight
meditation. Each and every precept increases our awareness of how we may skillfully
conduct ourselves in body and speech and helps us to see more clearly whether we are
improving in this process of self-discipline.
We may summarize the five precepts in relation to the spiritual qualities that they are
likely to produce and promote as follows. The first precept helps to promote goodwill,
compassion, and kindness. The second can be instrumental in developing generosity,
service, altruism, non-attachment, contentment, honesty, and right livelihood. The third
precept helps to cultivate self-restraint, mastery over the emotions and senses,
renunciation, and control of sensual desire. The fourth precept leads to the development
of honesty, reliability, and moral integrity. The fifth precept helps to promote
mindfulness, clarity of mind, and wisdom.
Self-reliance and responsibility are important features of the practice of Buddhist
morality. Because these precepts are meant to be a course of training, it can hardly be
expected that each and every practitioner will be able to follow them without committing
the slightest error, any more than it can be expected of a music student not to make a
single mistake in the course of his lessons. For people with certain temperaments or
occupations, some precepts may appear more difficult to follow than the rest, but that
should not be an obstacle to making an attempt to keep the precepts. If one is discouraged
from practicing, one need simply consider that these precepts are a course of training;
and training, by definition, implies imperfection and a gradual process of development.
However, for those who are new to Buddhism, it may be a good idea to begin with greater
emphasis on those precepts that are easier to follow, bearing the others in mind for later
development. For instance, the second and the third precepts obviously need to be
practiced by virtue of necessity, for they are supported by laws and are in perfect
harmony with customs and conventions in all civilized societies. There is, therefore,
hardly an excuse for not practicing them. Having dealt with these two precepts in this
way, the remaining three present much lighter and less daunting a task. In fact, if we
understand the contents and meaning of the five precepts correctly, we may come to feel
that it is more natural to observe them than not to.
Moral precepts and livelihood
It is not true to say that fishermen, farmers, or hunters
cannot observe the first precept. Like people in other trades and occupations, they may
not be able to observe all the precepts all the time or in all circumstances, given their
family obligations and livelihood, but they can certainly practice them on special
occasions, like holy days, or when they are not actually engaged in their professions. In
fact, there may be more opportunities to practice than at first seems possible. We observe
the precepts in accordance with our abilities, training by degrees until we are able to
make the precepts part and parcel of our lives.
In the time of the Buddha there were people engaged in occupations that involved
killing, such as hunters or fishermen. Farmers, too, were not free from killing, although
the intention involved might not be as direct. For all of these people the precepts were
there to be practiced, and some were better able to do so than others. Each person has the
opportunity to practice to the best of his or her abilities until they become more mature
and are spiritually ready to give up occupations or trades that involve unwholesome kamma.
One difficulty for some people is the use of alcoholic drinks: some feel discouraged
from keeping the fifth precept because some of their friends drink or because they have
business dealings with people who drink. Peer pressure and business objectives may be an
obstacle to the observance of this precept, but this is by no means insurmountable. Most
people are reasonable and do understand religious conscience. Sometimes, citing
physicians' opinions may add weight to an excuse not to drink, but it is always best to be
honest. In any case, a serious Dhamma practitioner should not allow trivial things like
this to prevent him or her from trying to keep the precepts. There is always an
opportunity to exert oneself if one is earnest in the practice.
Moral precepts and passivity
If one carefully studies the foregoing discussion on the
five precepts, one will see that, although the Pali texts are worded in the negative
"... abstaining from ...", there is the positive commitment "I undertake to
observe the precept ..." in all of them. Negative expressions do not necessarily
represent negative or passive attitudes of mind. Of course, misunderstandings may result
from misinterpretations of the Buddhist moral precepts (as they arise in regard to other
Pali technical terms like Nibbana, dukkha, santutthi, and anatta).
From the practical perspective Buddhist moral precepts do contain both positive and
negative aspects. However, from the psychological point of view it is important for
practitioners to first recognize that which is bad or wrong and which should be abstained
from. Abstention from wrong or evil deeds is the most significant step toward real
development in spirituality. Strangely enough, it often appears that people are so
preoccupied with doing good, they forget the most important duty of refraining from evil.
That is why even though one scientific accomplishment after another is being achieved,
crime rates are soaring unchecked, and thinking people begin to question the benefits of
those accomplishments. In religious circles, devotees passionately try to accumulate more
and more merits without ever pausing to reflect whether there are things that should be
cleansed from their minds. As long as this negative aspect is not attended to on a
practical level, spiritual progress will not come about. On the other hand, consider a
society in which people were determined not to do evil and who abstained from that which
is bad and wrong; the result of such a 'negative' practice would indeed be most welcome.
Even Nibbana is often negatively described as "the abandoning and
destruction of desire and craving," and "the extinction of desire, the
extinction of hatred, and the extinction of delusion," although it is positively the
highest good.
Once wrong and evil deeds have been abandoned, it becomes more natural to do good.
Since life means movement and action, any human expression which rejects evil is bound to
be good and positive. If false speech is given up, whatever is spoken will naturally be
truthful. Giving up of falsehood, which is a negative act, therefore constitutes in itself
not only a negation, but a positive attitude and commitment. As the Buddha himself has
admonished his followers:
"Abandoning false speech, one speaks the truth, becomes dependable, trustworthy,
and reliable, and does not mislead the world. Abandoning malicious speech, one does not
repeat there what has been heard here, nor does one repeat here what has been heard there,
in order to sow the seeds of discord. One reconciles and unites those disunited and
promotes closer bonds among friends. Unity is one's delight and joy, unity is one's love,
it is the motive behind one's verbal expression. Abandoning harsh speech, one employs a
speech which is blameless, pleasant, acceptable, heart-touching, civilized, and agreeable.
Abandoning frivolous speech, one uses speech which is appropriate to the occasion,
correct, purposeful, and in accordance with the Dhamma-Vinaya. One utters words that are
worthy, opportune, reasonable, meaningful, and straightforward."
One important reason why the Buddhist moral precepts are phrased
in negative terms is because the negative mode of expression tends to convey clearer and
more specific injunctions which can be followed with ease. From a practical point of view,
"Do not kill" carries stronger impact and a clearer definition than "Be
kind to animals" and can be more conveniently practiced. From experience, however, we
will see that anyone who consciously and constantly observes the first precept will
naturally develop kindness toward people and animals. The second precept, which says,
"Do not take what is not given," covers all forms of wrong livelihood, whether
by deception, fraud, bribery or theft. By earnestly observing this precept, one will
naturally take a positive step in earning one's livelihood in a righteous way. Through
constant awareness and direct control of greed and avarice, which motivate wrong
livelihood, one learns to develop generosity, altruism, and selfless service. These and
other positive virtues result from the so-called negative actions of observing the moral
precepts, clearly demonstrating how the precepts laid down by the Buddha can bear positive
results, despite their wording and expression.
Moral dilemmas
The first of the five Buddhist moral precepts is based on
the altruistic concept of universal love and compassion. It is not only a way of life and
an exercise in personal morality, but also a part of the much larger scheme in spiritual
discipline of which purity of body, speech, and mind are indispensable ingredients. As
such it makes no exception in its practice, given the lofty ideal to which it is designed
to lead. However, in real life situations, we may need a more practical attitude of mind
to approach the problem in a more realistic manner.
First of all, we must recognize the fact that destruction of life is a negative act and
the volition involved is an unwholesome one. By being honest with ourselves and by
impartially contemplating the results that such acts bring, we can realize the wisdom of
the first precept and consequently try to abstain from killing in any form. Perfection in
the practice comes with spiritual maturity, and until perfection is attained, one needs to
be aware of possible imperfections in the practice and try to improve oneself accordingly.
Because perfection in morality requires considerable effort and training, few can
achieve it in the beginning. One need not, therefore, feel discouraged, but should learn
how progress in the practice can be made through a systematized and graduated process of
training. For instance, one may begin by resolving to abandon any killing that is not
absolutely necessary. There are people who find pleasure in destroying other creatures,
such as those who fish or hunt for sport. This type of killing is quite unnecessary and
only demonstrates callousness. Others are engaged in sports which involve pain and
suffering to animals and may even cost their lives, such as bull fights, cock fights, and
fish fights -- all senseless practices designed to satisfy sadistic impulses. One who
wishes to train in the Dhamma should avoid having anything to do with this kind of
entertainment. One may also resolve to show kindness to other people and animals in an
objective and concrete way whenever it is possible to do so. While circumstances may
prevent absolute abstention from killing, this may help to refine the mind and develop
more sensitivity to the suffering of other beings. Trying to look for an alternative
livelihood that does not involve destruction of life is a further step to be considered.
Keeping one's home free of pests or bugs by not creating conditions for their
infestation helps reduce the necessity for exterminating them. Ecologically, this is a
very commendable practice, since the adverse effects of chemical insecticides on the
environment are well known. Prevention is, indeed, better than cure even concerning bugs
and beetles. Cleanliness of habitat makes killing in such cases unnecessary. Even in the
field of agriculture, insecticide-free farming is becoming increasingly popular and
commercially competitive. If people are so inclined and compassion prevails, killing can
be greatly avoided even in the real life situations of an ordinary householder with full
family obligations and concerns.
In the unlikely event that killing is absolutely inevitable, it may be advisable to
note the obvious distinction between killing out of cruelty and killing out of necessity.
A person who goes out fishing for pleasure is cruel. While he may love children or make
big donations for charitable institutions, as far as spirituality is concerned his mind is
not refined enough to be sensitive to the pain and suffering of the poor creatures living
in the river. A man who hunts for a living does so because it is necessary to maintain
himself and his family. It would seem quite understandable that in the latter case the
unwholesome effects would likely be much lighter than the former. The same thing is true
in the case of killing for self defense. Killing dangerous animals, vermin, and insects
accrues less kammically unwholesome consequences than killing a human being or an animal
that serves man (such as a horse, a dog, or an elephant).
Buddhism, capital punishment and war
As a student of Buddhism, one may realize that each
person practices Dhamma according to his or her ability and the opportunities that arise.
A policeman on duty patrolling a crime-infested street or a soldier at a border outpost
surveying suspicious movements inside hostile territory will experience totally different
circumstances in spiritual endeavor from a monk sitting peacefully in his cloistered cell.
Yet, what they do have in common is the opportunity to perform their duty. Each must
therefore understand how the Dhamma can be best practiced, given the situation he is in.
All of us are bounded up with certain duties, one way or another. Where policemen and
soldiers are concerned, it would be naive to deny that their duties do include the
possibility of killing.
It cannot be overemphasized, however, that destruction of life is, from a Buddhist
standpoint, never justified. But in discussing the issue under question it is hardly
appropriate not to distinguish between spiritual objectives and those of national security
and administration. Capital punishment, for instance, is an instrument by which law and
order may be effectively maintained for the common good of society, although Buddhism
would not advocate that such a measure is conducive to the police officers' spiritual
well-being. The principles and purposes on which the police and military institutions were
established are as far apart from those on which Buddhist spiritual training was
formulated as anything can be. Yet, Buddhism and those secular institutions do coexist
now, as they did during the time of the Buddha. Important military chiefs and dignitaries
are known to have been the Buddha's most devout followers. One does not, therefore, make
the mistake of concluding that a person cannot be a Buddhist, or keep the Buddhist moral
precepts for that matter, if he serves in the armed forces or police establishment. As has
been said before there are more opportunities to practice the precepts than not to
practice; this is true even where the above-mentioned professions are concerned.
Stealing from the rich to feed the poor
Helping the poor is a commendable effort, but stealing
from the rich to fulfill that commitment can hardly be justified. If this were made into a
standard practice, society would be in turmoil. Rights of possession would be ignored, and
stealing would become the accepted norm. Finally, the practice would defeat itself, and
thievery would be recognized as a charitable act. This is hardly a desirable state of
affairs; it is something not even remotely resembling a moral condition.
One of the distinct features of the Buddhist moral precepts is the universal character
in which they may be practiced with benefit by all members of society. For instance,
non-stealing (second precept) can be universally observed with desirable results, and the
practice will help to promote coexistence, peace, and harmony in society. If this precept
were reversed and stealing were made a moral principle, we can immediately see that there
would be so much conflict and confusion that society would eventually cease to function.
Thus, stealing can never be made a moral act, no matter how ideal and noble the
motivation.
Extramarital sex
This is a rather complex issue involving ramifications in
emotional, social, and moral fields. The problem is a cause for concern in modern times,
especially in the West where materialism has for so long been the philosophy of life.
The third moral precept advises against all forms of sexual misconduct, which include
rape, adultery, promiscuity, paraphilia, and sexual perversions. Actually, the Buddhist
commentary emphasizes adultery more than anything else, but if we take into account the
purpose and intention of the precept, it is clear that the precept is intended to cover
all improper behavior with regard to sex. The broadest interpretation even purports to
mean abstention from the misuse of the senses. The expression "misuse of the
senses" is somewhat vague. It could refer to any morally unwholesome action committed
under the influence of sensual desire or to the inability to control one's own senses. In
any case there is no doubt that the third precept aims at promoting, among other things,
proper sexual behavior and a sense of social decency in a human civilization where
monogamy is commonly practiced and self-restraint is a cherished moral value.
For one reason or another, many young people in love are not able to enter into married
life as early as they wish. While marriage is still some distance in the future, or even
an uncertain quantity, these people enter into relationships, of which sex forms a
significant part. This happens not only among adults, who must legally answer to their own
conduct, but also among teenagers who are still immature, emotionally unstable, and tend
to act in irresponsible ways. Peer pressure and altered moral values are an important
contributing factor to the escalation of the problem. The trend toward extramarital sex
has become so common that it is now virtually taken for granted. Contubernal arrangements
are becoming increasingly popular, and marriage is relegated to a place of insignificance,
jeopardizing in the process the sanctity of family life.
In the context of these developments, the third precept becomes all the more relevant
and meaningful. Unlike killing, which certain circumstances seem to warrant, there is
hardly any plausible excuse for sexual promiscuity, except human weaknesses and inability
to restrain the sexual urge. However, there is a distinction between sexual promiscuity
and sexual relationship based on mutual trust and commitment, even if the latter were a
relationship between two single adults. Thus one may begin to practice the third precept
by resolving not to be involved in sexual activities without an earnest intention and
serious commitment of both parties. This means that sex should not be consummated merely
for the sake of sexuality, but should be performed with full understanding within the
people involved and with mutual responsibility for its consequences. A certain level of
maturity and emotional stability is necessary to ensure a healthy and productive sexual
relationship between two partners. With the realization that there is a better and more
noble path to follow than promiscuity, one may see the wisdom of self-restraint and the
benefit of establishing a more lasting and meaningful relationship which, rather than
impeding one's spiritual progress, may enhance it.
Finally, if anything else fails to convince people of the danger and undesirability of
sexual promiscuity, perhaps the phenomenal AIDS epidemic will. This may seem beside the
point, since moral precepts and moral integrity are matters that concern inner strength,
fortitude, and conscientious practice, not fear and trepidation based on extraneous
factors. It is, nevertheless, worthwhile to consider the connection between promiscuous
behavior and the AIDS epidemic and realize how strict observance of the third Buddhist
moral precept could greatly reduce the risk of infection or spread of this deadly disease.
Acceptance of this fact may also lead to an appreciation of the value of morality and
moral precepts as laid down by the Buddha, consequently strengthening conviction in the
Dhamma practice.
White lies
The practice of the fourth precept aims at inculcating a
respect for truth in the mind, implying both one's own obligations as well as the rights
of other people to truth. This is one of the most important components in developing sound
social relationships, and it makes all documents, contracts, agreements, deeds, and
business dealings meaningful. When we resort to falsehood, we not only become dishonest
but also show disrespect to the truth. People who tell lies discredit themselves and
become untrustworthy.
It is true that sometimes telling lies may prove more profitable than truth, especially
from the material point of view. Because such gains are unwholesome and may cause harm in
the long run, and because material profits are likely to lead to more falsehood and
fabrication, it is imperative that the practice of the fourth precept be duly emphasized.
Where a person's reputation and feelings are concerned, discretion should be exercised. Of
course, there are instances where silence is more appropriate than speech, and one may
choose this as an alternative to prevarication and falsehood.
Motivation is an important element in determining if one is transgressing the fourth
precept and whether a given verbal expression constitutes a kammically unwholesome act.
For instance, when an event is fictionalized for literary purposes, this may not be
regarded as falsehood as such for the intention of the work is obvious and there is no
attempt at falsification involved. Another example is the case of an invective, where an
abusive expression is used (such as angrily calling someone a dog). This is a case of
vituperation rather than fabrication or falsification, although it is, nonetheless, a
kammically unwholesome act. Also, there is a clear distinction between expressing untruth
with a selfish intention and with a well-meaning motive, as when a concocted story is told
for instructional purposes or a white lie is told in order to keep an innocent child out
of danger.
These latter two instances are even accepted as illustrations of the employment of
skillful means. A story is told of a mother who returns home to find her house on fire.
Her little son is playing in the house, unaware that its burning roof could collapse at
any moment. He is so engrossed that he pays no attention to his mother, who is now in
great distress, being unable to get into the house herself. So she calls out to her child,
"Come quickly, my little one, I have some wonderful toys for you. All the toys you
ever wanted to have are here!" In this instance the mother is using a skillful means
that eventually saves the boy's life. Under certain circumstances, this may be the only
alternative, but indiscriminate use of such means may lead to undesirable results. One
needs to be judicious, therefore, in the practice of the precepts.
Sometimes speaking the truth may cause more harm than good, especially if it is done
with malicious intent. A vindictive neighbor who spreads the scandals about the family
next door may be speaking the truth, but she is neither doing anyone a service, nor is she
practicing the Dhamma. A spy who sells his nation's sensitive classified information to an
enemy may be speaking the truth, but he could cause much harm to his nation's security and
jeopardize many innocent lives. The Buddha says, therefore, that one should speak the
truth which is useful and conducive to the Dhamma, and should avoid that which is useless
and is likely to cause unwholesome kamma to oneself and others.
Intoxicants
The fifth precept covers all intoxicants, including
narcotics, that alter the state of consciousness and are physiologically addictive. The
danger and negative effects of narcotics, such as cocaine and heroin, are too well known
to need any further elaboration. Today they represent a serious health and social problem
around the world.
Drinking intoxicants is not part of the Buddhist culture, although it seems to have
become a widespread phenomenon in modern society. It is true that alcoholic consumption
was prevalent before and during the time of the Buddha, but he never approved of the
practice. The fact that something is commonly practiced does not necessarily mean that it
is good and wholesome. Those who advocate drinking as a factor for promoting friendship
forget to take account of the reality that so many friendships have been drowned in those
intoxicants. The brawls, strife and unruly behavior that often follow the consumption of
alcoholic beverages represent an unequivocal testimony of the ignoble state to which human
beings can be reduced to under the influence of intoxicants. Friendship founded on
compassion and mutual understanding is much more desirable than that which is based on
alcohol. Social drinking may produce a general euphoric atmosphere among drinkers (and
probably a nuisance for nondrinkers), but it is never a necessary condition for
interpersonal relationship. Often, people use this as an excuse to get drunk. The high
rate of car accidents connected with drunk driving should serve as a strong reminder of
the danger and undesirability of alcoholic consumption. On the other hand, it may be
mentioned in passing that liquor does contain certain medicinal properties and can be used
for medical purposes. Such use, if genuine and under qualified supervision, does not
entail transgression of the fifth precept and is not considered a morally unwholesome act.
The most obvious danger of intoxicants is the fact that they tend to distort the
sensibilities and deprive people of their self-control and powers of judgment. Under
alcoholic influences, a person is likely to act rashly and without due consideration or
forethought. Otherwise decent people may even commit murder or rape under the influence of
alcohol, or cause all kinds of damage (such as fire, accident, and vandalism) to people or
property. The Buddha described addiction to intoxicants as one of the six causes of ruin.
It brings about six main disadvantages: loss of wealth, quarrels and strife, a poor state
of health (liability to diseases), a source of disgrace, shameless and indecent behavior,
and weakened intelligence and mental faculties.
Other precepts
Occasionally, lay Buddhists may take the opportunity to
observe the eight precepts as a means of developing higher virtues and self-control. Of
course, these can be practiced as often as one wishes, but the special occasions on which
they are normally observed are the holy days, especially the more important ones, the
three month period of rains retreat, and special events connected with one's life.
Sometimes, a Buddhist may observe them even as a token of gratitude and respect to a
deceased relative or on the occasion of a birth anniversary of a monk he reveres. Four of
these eight precepts are identical with the five precepts mentioned above. In order, they
are as follows:
1. to abstain from the destruction of life
2. to abstain from stealing or taking what is not given
3. to abstain from sexual intercourse (to practice celibacy)
4. to abstain from falsehood
5. to abstain from alcoholic drinks
6. to abstain from partaking of food from afternoon till the following daybreak
7. to abstain from singing and entertainments, from decorating oneself and use of perfumes
8. to abstain from the use of large and luxurious beds.
***
[Originally published in Sunthorn Plamintr's Getting to Know Buddhism (Bangkok:
Buddhadhamma Foundation, 1994), pp. 133-154.]
***
Sincere thanks to Phramaha Somnuek Saksree
for retyping this article.
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