THE BUDDHIST PRECEPTS

In past talks I have mentioned what are known as the Buddhist precepts. Tonight I would like to talk about them.

First, what is a precept?

Simply, it’s a type of behavior.

Second, what are Buddhist precepts?

Buddhist precepts are ethical guidelines related to a harmonious life.

Some Westerners compare Buddhist precepts to the ten commandments of Christianity. However, unlike the ten commandments, they are not mandates, or edicts, or rules. Furthermore, one does not have to be a Buddhist to realize the precepts are common sense notions of behavior.

Rather than an individual being finger-wagged and given a bunch of “do not do this,” one is encouraged to use one’s intelligence to apply the precepts in the best way possible in life.

There are anywhere from five Buddhist precepts to 227, depending on the source of information. One source says ten precepts are considered major, 48 minor. But that’s splitting hairs and making judgments. I don’t know anything about the other 169.

I will talk about only five precepts, since most of the others are specialized ones that are given to novices to prepare them for a monastic life.

In most cases, receiving the Buddhist precepts involves a full blown ceremony that includes bowing, chanting, and gonging. During the ritual a master reads each precept aloud and asks the individual receiver if he or she can keep each one. If all goes according to plan, each time the receiver answers “Yes, I can.”

The master acknowledges the positive responses, and with that the receiver is considered a Buddhist.

Presumably, then you entitled to reveal to the world that you are a Buddhist. It’s sort of like admitting publicly you’re gay. Not that anyone cares to know.

Here are the five basic precepts, plus a clarification of each. Of course there are countless exceptions for every one, and every one is open to questions of philosophy and morals. But as I present each precept, just receive it without agreeing or disagreeing.

Later we can discuss them.


PRECEPT 1: I WILL BE MINDFUL AND RESPECTFUL OF ALL LIFE.

One should not deprive any living creature of life. That means one should not stomp on creeping ants or worms or caterpillars. Do not shoot squirrels or deer or elephants. Do not shoot other humans. No matter how contemptible or weird a living form may be, every being has a right to life.

I know you will ask what about Hitler, or termites, but let’s save the questions until later.

To paraphrase Dr. Bodhippriya Subhadra Sinwardena, an Indian Buddhist: “Nobody has the right to destroy the life of another for any reason. But we know human beings kill others individually and collectively in the name of human rights, religion, peace, and population control.”

In the name of human rights, religion, peace, and population control, eh? In practical terms, especially in the Western World, these are assumed to be good purposes.


PRECEPT 2: I WILL RESPECT THE BELONGINGS OF OTHERS.

If something is not given, one may not take it by stealing, by force, or by fraud. To steal, or to possess anything that belongs to others, is to ignore the well being and the dignity of others as well as oneself. Such actions are based on excessive desire.

And what do desire and greed lead to?

In a word, attachment.

According to an old Buddhist writing, this precept applies not only to valuable items such as gold and silver, but even to things as small and inexpensive as needles.

To quote Korean Master Wu Bong, “This precept teaches one to accept oneself wholly. To make this total acceptance is to become complete, to attain the Buddha state.”

Dogen wrote that giving means non-greed. Non-greed means not to long for something.

PRECEPT 3: I WILL BE CONSCIOUS AND CONSIDERATE
IN MY RELATIONSHIPS.

This is often stated in an earthier way: “I will avoid sexual misconduct.”

Human moral standards vary in different countries and in different times. Who is to say one thing is perverted or nasty, and something else is okay? However, any behavior—sexual or other—that is injurious to others shows disrespect for individuals and is demeaning to all concerned.

As writer Winton Higgins suggests, sexuality is a very strong energy, the focus of many cravings and delusions. If we have the inclination to make fools of ourselves, to act stupidly and destructively, then we are likely to objectify it in our sex lives. But we also have the opposite propensity to act consciously and considerately.

PRECEPT 4: I WILL HONOR SINCERITY AND TRUTH.

To refrain from telling falsehoods—no matter if they are fibs or whoppers—is to show respect for the truth. When a Buddhist observes the fourth precept he avoids outright lying or even half-facts that exaggerate or understate.

Essentially this means that one will not spread gossip or rumor that is not known to be certain. Also implied is that one will not criticize, condemn, or pass judgment on things that can cause disharmony.

In the book The Pocket Zen Reader, John Clearly mentions that Master Ta-sui was asked, “What is the very first point.”

Ta-sui replied, “Don’t think falsely.”


PRECEPT 5: I WILL EXERCISE PROPER CARE OF
MY BODY AND MIND.

Actually, Precept 5 is usually worded as “I will not be a lush.” It says, “I will not take intoxicants.” I will quote the wording from one source.

“Taking intoxicants will lose the seed of wisdom. Liquor, drugs, smoking, and such, can be harmful to one’s mind and health. Under the successive influence of intoxicants one may lose self-control of body as well as mind. Further, the influence of overindulgence in such things may cause one to harm others.”

It’s a proven medical fact that intoxicants and drugs can be harmful to the human body and mind. As with anything else, use common sense. If you sense you are starting to mess up yourself or others, change your behavior.


I’ll wind this up with some words by Master Wu Bong: “The precepts are to help us cut off our attachments, and when that is done, then all precepts are kept naturally.”