I've been seeking for more guidance on how to really live the precepts. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you, Bhante J! Having your Dhamma talks on RU-vid is so valuable! Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
The Five Precepts: 1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures. (I do not wish others to harm or destroy my life. So I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.) 2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given. ( I do not wish others taking my things. So I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.) 3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct. (I do not wish others to indulge in sexual misconduct with Husband/wife. So I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.) 4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech. ( I do not wish others to speak incorrect speech. so I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.) 5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. (I do not wish others to be careless with me. So I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.)
Very peaceful... Soothing... Silent in mind. Thanks a lot.. Lord Buddha said, *one who knows that oneself is not breaking these five root disciplines, shall not fear to live anywhere * May all rejoice in this Dhamma.
Great Dhamma lecture Bhante and much appreciated. Have a question about the 5th precept, but from the standpoint that I would someday like to be ordained.How does it relate to medication? Have seen so many conflicting commentaries but never a solid answer. Thank-you for any consideration you might give to my query. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu
If something is used for medicine, then it is ok, the problem comes when you enter the grey area of using it for medicine and then for pleasure to be heedless and high. An example of this could be opiates, you may be prescribed opiates from a surgery or an injury, but then you're on them long enough that they become an addiction and you are scamming doctors to get more of the stuff. Then of course you have the rationalization of the mind, like when it comes to alcohol " oh one drink won't hurt, they even say it's healthy for you!" when in reality you could just do 20 other things that would have greater health benefit. Like with most things, it's about the intention behind the use.
StudentofthePath , Venerable, thank-you for your time and thoughtful answer. It helps clear some doubt and makes the path even more clear. With an abundance of gratitude, Metta
From a lay-person's perspectives towards society from 8 years ago till end of life approximates, = 5 precepts are not-compulsory not-mandatory not-using guilty-concience to blackmail, not-negative = to the ability(current attainment) of practitioner(practice is not talking and not debating about mahayana emptiness endlessly without being able to walk the talk) = refrain - is a nice word to know (dictionary for the contrived).
From 8 precepts onwards = barbarians want to know why Buddhists only answer on the third time for some questions, they like to treat barbarian as strong/smart/good/... 1 = person asking is a barbarian(insist stubbornly on pushing his luck) and stupid(no answer to issues) 2 = person is not Buddhist 3 = person don't know precepts and want to create trouble 4 = if you Buddhists stop practicing, you will end up mixing with those types. Learn their psychology. Wisdom path attains wisdom (people and barbarians and spiritual good-bad will come) Wisdom have answers others don't have (walk the talk) 8 precepts is noble-silence, ration-words 10 precepts is trainee monk Purity by words and deeds Enemies of Buddhist insist on asking no-fear about things that are bad for immoral-people. Example = advanced technology and weaponery which have the ending of thmselves being tortured and killed. Answer given at third attempt if want to "revenge" or make an example out of him or ... ... This is how to use 3-attempts. This is how i share with enemies - techniques and tactics and limiters of materials and limiters of technology and baseline, basics, fundamental.
If any enemy of Buddhist ask why some Buddhists behave like this and that = tell them, your face is mirrored for your convenience and the convenience of all others. = mirror
He shouldn't contrast the Bible with the dharma... I never liked when practitioners of any doctrine try to make their guiding-ethic principles superior to another religion. Who cares if one sounds like a command & the other a recommendation. If someone commands me to do something, judging by experience, I still retain my freedom of choice unless forced. The Bible's precepts of conduct may sound forceful(tis true) but they are not until practiced that way on others by its practioners... My position: one is no greater than the other.
I mean no Ill-will or anger in this comment but I was brought up Christian so i have respect for its way of compassion. Experience has brought me into a greater closeness with Buddhism & Taoism but I will always have respect for my childhood guidance. I have strong confidence it meant no ill towards me.
no worries my friend. I was also raised catholic. When I speak in this way about the precepts I speak more towards the perception of the commandments in people who have left the faith, as opposed to any way from ancient times they are supposed to be viewed. I don't think it's wrong to see that many people view the commandments as impositions, as something forced upon them, and so I am trying to explain the precepts to them in a way they can feel it is up to them and fully in their control to take these upon themselves.
