“Whether our action is wholesome or unwholesome depends on whether that action or deed arises from a disciplined or undisciplined state of mind. It is felt that a disciplined mind leads to happiness and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering, and in fact it is said that bringing about discipline within one's mind is the essence of the Buddha's teaching.”
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
The Five Precepts
The five traditional precepts or guidelines for integrity in Buddhism. Underlying each is the intention to not causing suffering to others (or ourselves).
The Five Precepts are not an absolute rigid set of rules, but provide a practical basis for good, ethical living which will produce the right environment in which to seek out our own truths.
The first precept is that of not intentionally killing living beings. We step on ants every day, and this isn’t really with any lack of care, and I doubt if its possible to avoid occasionally beating the odd cockroach to oblivion, however, the premeditated killing of other human and senseless killing of animals for sport certainly is not desirable for Buddhists. The primary goal of this precept is to develop concern for the safety and welfare of others and to have compassion for all living things.
The second precept is to take only what has been given. This is broader than not stealing, as it means returning borrowed items, and not taking unfair advantage even when it is still within the laws of the country. This means that you develop a sense of fair play, and generosity towards others.
The third precept often talks about sexual misconduct, but may also be interpreted as not misusing the senses. As the strongest drive after the survival instinct, the sexual drive will dominate our lives and cause much suffering unless directed wisely and skilfully. Living to excess, and in particular excessive eating, also causes grief. This precept encourages us to be content with more simple lives.
In the fourth precept we are encouraged not to speak falsely, not to lie, slander, misrepresent or to gossip maliciously. This teaches us to speak truthfully and kindly and to have positive motives when we approach a discussion.
The fifth precept is most important for today’s affluent Western society, and that is to avoid intoxicants. This includes alcohol, unnecessary drugs, and stimulants such as tobacco and caffeine. This precept is important to develop rational thinking and will allow the development of inner clarity needed for mindfulness.
As always, the Buddha was compassionate and pragmatic, and recommended these rather than dogmatically insisting that these five precepts were essential. But there is considerable good sense in each precept and by living with them every day, the way is then clear to be able to focus on the personal search for enlightened understanding.
We can restate each of these in a positive way to promote happiness and joy.
1) Honor all life. The first guideline, refraining from killing, is really developing a respect and reverence for life. When we are consciously not causing intentional harm to other living beings we experience the happiness that comes from offering the gift of harmlessness.
2) Share your time and resources. The second guideline to refrain from stealing can be a practice in sufficiency and abundance. We not only avoid suffering by not taking from others, but we can also experience joy by expressing our generosity. This will be explored in greater depth as a central aspect of next month’s theme of Letting Go.
3) Take care with sexual energy, respecting boundaries and offering safety. Sexual energy can be a source of great joy or great pain. Rather than the attitude of “How can I maximize my own pleasure?” we can turn it around to: “How can I give some pleasure to an intimate partner or offer others safety?” When people feel respected and know we have healthy boundaries, they can feel relaxed and at ease. They sense that we don’t want anything from them other than their genuine happiness. And we feel good inside as well.
4) Speak kindly. Usually translated as not causing suffering through speech, the basic guideline is to say what is truthful and useful in a kind way. This not only is a more effective way to communicate, it gives us a greater likelihood of being heard. It also brings happiness to ourselves as we are connected to an attitude of kindness inside us.
But this guideline doesn’t mean to just say nice things. Speaking with integrity also means being willing to say difficult things in a skillful way. We pay a price in both authentic communication and our physical health when we aren’t aligned with our truth.
5) Develop a clear mind and healthy body. By not abusing substances, like alcohol or drugs, we are more likely not to wobble in our actions regarding the other guidelines thereby avoiding harm through our unclarity. Even more as we value a clear mind and healthy body we give ourselves the gift of feeling mentally alert and physically more alive, which are the most supportive things we can do to awaken joy.
The Five Precepts are not an absolute rigid set of rules, but provide a practical basis for good, ethical living which will produce the right environment in which to seek out our own truths.
The first precept is that of not intentionally killing living beings. We step on ants every day, and this isn’t really with any lack of care, and I doubt if its possible to avoid occasionally beating the odd cockroach to oblivion, however, the premeditated killing of other human and senseless killing of animals for sport certainly is not desirable for Buddhists. The primary goal of this precept is to develop concern for the safety and welfare of others and to have compassion for all living things.
The second precept is to take only what has been given. This is broader than not stealing, as it means returning borrowed items, and not taking unfair advantage even when it is still within the laws of the country. This means that you develop a sense of fair play, and generosity towards others.
The third precept often talks about sexual misconduct, but may also be interpreted as not misusing the senses. As the strongest drive after the survival instinct, the sexual drive will dominate our lives and cause much suffering unless directed wisely and skilfully. Living to excess, and in particular excessive eating, also causes grief. This precept encourages us to be content with more simple lives.
In the fourth precept we are encouraged not to speak falsely, not to lie, slander, misrepresent or to gossip maliciously. This teaches us to speak truthfully and kindly and to have positive motives when we approach a discussion.
The fifth precept is most important for today’s affluent Western society, and that is to avoid intoxicants. This includes alcohol, unnecessary drugs, and stimulants such as tobacco and caffeine. This precept is important to develop rational thinking and will allow the development of inner clarity needed for mindfulness.
As always, the Buddha was compassionate and pragmatic, and recommended these rather than dogmatically insisting that these five precepts were essential. But there is considerable good sense in each precept and by living with them every day, the way is then clear to be able to focus on the personal search for enlightened understanding.
We can restate each of these in a positive way to promote happiness and joy.
1) Honor all life. The first guideline, refraining from killing, is really developing a respect and reverence for life. When we are consciously not causing intentional harm to other living beings we experience the happiness that comes from offering the gift of harmlessness.
2) Share your time and resources. The second guideline to refrain from stealing can be a practice in sufficiency and abundance. We not only avoid suffering by not taking from others, but we can also experience joy by expressing our generosity. This will be explored in greater depth as a central aspect of next month’s theme of Letting Go.
3) Take care with sexual energy, respecting boundaries and offering safety. Sexual energy can be a source of great joy or great pain. Rather than the attitude of “How can I maximize my own pleasure?” we can turn it around to: “How can I give some pleasure to an intimate partner or offer others safety?” When people feel respected and know we have healthy boundaries, they can feel relaxed and at ease. They sense that we don’t want anything from them other than their genuine happiness. And we feel good inside as well.
4) Speak kindly. Usually translated as not causing suffering through speech, the basic guideline is to say what is truthful and useful in a kind way. This not only is a more effective way to communicate, it gives us a greater likelihood of being heard. It also brings happiness to ourselves as we are connected to an attitude of kindness inside us.
But this guideline doesn’t mean to just say nice things. Speaking with integrity also means being willing to say difficult things in a skillful way. We pay a price in both authentic communication and our physical health when we aren’t aligned with our truth.
5) Develop a clear mind and healthy body. By not abusing substances, like alcohol or drugs, we are more likely not to wobble in our actions regarding the other guidelines thereby avoiding harm through our unclarity. Even more as we value a clear mind and healthy body we give ourselves the gift of feeling mentally alert and physically more alive, which are the most supportive things we can do to awaken joy.