The Five Precepts/Teachings are recommendations given by the Buddha proposed to be lived by one who wishes to lead a peaceful life
while contributing
to the happiness of family and society. The Five Precepts are voluntarily observed by those seeking Present Moment
Clarification, Spiritual Enlightenment, and/or Buddha-hood. But they are not commandments that have to be strictly abided by. They
form the basis of universal morality in the Virtue aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path, which is very important in the beginning of
practicing the Present Moment Clarification, Spiritual Enlightenment, and/or Buddhist path.
Following the
precepts blindly without compassion, wisdom and understanding is never encouraged. The Five Precepts should never be observed/implemented
by blindly disregarding the circumstances; there are sometimes exceptional occasions when upholding them might create
more suffering
for others, proving unwise. At these times, the Five Precepts might have to be averting. (For instance, to protect someone in danger-
this
is "averting" the Fourth Precept which is against lying, may be needed in order to safe a life.) Whenever any of the Five Precepts
is not upheld,
it should only be for the welfare of others and not for selfish gain.
What are the benefits of Precepts?
The Buddha once
told a priest that it is much better to "sacrifice" ones unwholesome conduct by observing the Five Precepts than killing animals
to "sacrifice to the gods". He taught that observing them not only expresses ones gratitude for present good fortune, but also increases
the opportunity
for happiness and good fortune in the future. One who mindfully observes these five training guidelines of wholesome
conduct will find peace in everyday
life and is unlikely to bring trouble upon oneself or others.
Are the Five Precepts hard to observe?
The
Five Precepts are never meant to restrict as they protect oneself and others when observed well. Breaking a precept is not considered
a sin -
it is seen as an unskillful act due to the lack of Wisdom. A person seeking Present Moment Clarification, Spiritual Enlightenment,
and/or Buddha-hood. may find the Five Precepts difficult to observe completely and constantly in the beginning, but one should not
be disheartened. Even if one is able to observe only one or two precepts successfully, one is already creating the foundation for
happiness now and for the future. One may make a daily renewal of ones determination to observe the precepts to remind oneself of
the ideal way of life one should lead. One should try with complete commitment
to achieve this ideal. In doing so,
one will discover inner peace and always be at ease with the world. We have to remember that though we are imperfect, we can all strive
towards spiritual realization.
How do I observe the Five Precepts?
An excellent way to observe the Five Precepts, is recite them
at the beginning your day, or before you retire for the evening.
The First Precept: Respect for Life: Avoid Killing ; To Protect:
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life
(so
that I will practice Compassion by protecting and benefiting all life)
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I
undertake the
precept to cultivate Compassion and protect human, animal and plant life.
I am determined not to kill or injure, not
to let others do so, and not to support any act of physical or mental harm.
The Second Precept: Respect for Personal Property, Do
Not Steal ;
be Generous
Abstain from taking the not given(so that I will practice Generosity by sharing and giving my material and spiritual
wealth) Aware of the suffering caused
by exploitation, injustice, theft and oppression, I undertake the precept to cultivate Loving-kindness
for the well being of people and animals. I will practice Honesty and Generosity by sharing my wealth, time, energy, empathy, encouragement
and other resources, especially the gift of
Truth with those in need. I am determined not to possess or steal anything (including
time- by being late or irresponsible at work) that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others and the public and
prevent others from profiting from suffering of any living being.
The Third Precept: Respect for Personal Relationships: Do Not Indulge
the Senses ; be Content
Abstain from misconduct regarding objects and subjects of sense pleasures,(especially adultery, so that I will
practice contentment and channel my energies towards spiritual development) Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I
undertake the precept to cultivate responsibility and protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society.
I
am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love, responsibility and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness
of others and myself, I will respect the commitments of others. Aware of the suffering caused by sensual indulgence, I will also not
mindlessly indulge my senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch and/or mind in the sense pleasures (eg. shows, music, food, sex
etc.) such that I am distracted from the path towards self-improvement, Present Moment Clarification, Spiritual Enlightenment, and/or
Buddha-hood.
The Fourth Precept: Respect for Truth: Do Not Lie ; Be Truthful
Abstain from false speech(and other unwholesome modes of speech,
so
that I will communicate positively)
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and inability to listen to others, I undertake
the precept to cultivate loving speech and deep listening to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve them of their suffering.
I
will speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy and hope. I am determined not to spread news, criticize or condemn
on that which
I do not know for certain. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord in family or community.
I will make the effort to reconcile and resolve conflicts big and small.
The Fifth Precept Respect for Mental and Physical Well-being:
Avoid Intoxicants ; To Be Mindful
Abstain from consuming alcohol, drugs, other intoxicant, or
to ingest foods / items that contain
negative elements to the point of lack
of mindful clarity and/or loss of mindfulness. Be aware of the suffering caused
by unmindful consumption. Cultivate good physical and mental health, for myself, my family and society by practicing mindful eating,
drinking and consuming. Ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being
and joy in body and mind, and the collective body and consciousness
of my family and society. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger
and confusion in myself and in society by balancing a physical
and
mental diet. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for positive self
and society transformation and advancement in mental
development, Present Moment Clarification, Spiritual Enlightenment, and/or Buddha-hood. (This precept is sometimes interpreted
as either total abstinence
from intoxicants or as permissible moderate intake so long as there
is no indulgence of the senses or impairment
of health or mindfulness.)
