It seems that in modern life we are often pulled into many directions. Not knowing where to go. Who or what to believe. As a result we end up being a slave to our own superficial whims and desires. Our minds become filled with distractions and unwholesomeness.
But how do we free our minds from such trivialities we consider as important?
We cannot achieve liberation without freeing the mind. And to achieve this liberation the Buddha teaches three valuable lessons, morality, concentration and wisdom.
Each of these teachings builds upon the other, like the concrete foundation of a home is made of cement, sand, and water. Each supporting each other to provide a solid area to build upon when solidified.
To develop our foundation we must give up what is evil and develop what is good. This process is referred to as sila.
In the Dhammapada (verse 183) this is summed up as:
Abandoning what is evil, developing what is good, purifying the mind – that is the teaching of the Buddhas.
The Buddha also tells us that the “Mind is the forerunner of all things, mind is their leader, they are made by the mind. When someone speaks or acts with impure thoughts, suffering follows, like the wheel follows the hoof of the ox.”
When we live a life founded in morality we live a life free from restlessness and remorse as a result of regret.
But what is moral behavior?
The Buddha gives us these five receipts or five virtues to develop:
- Abstain from killing
- Abstain from stealing
- Abstain from sexual misconduct
- Abstain from wrong speech
- Abstain from the use of intoxicating substances that cause inattention
1. Abstain From Killing
Picture a beetle on the road. At the same time you decide you're going for a walk. As you walk you encounter this beetle. Following this precept you go around the beetle. But let's now say you're driving a car and you don't see this beetle. If you did not see it and kill it, this does not result in negative karma.
Abstaining from killing also includes intentionally causing the death of another sentient being. For example, hiring someone to do this for you. You are still directly responsible.
The primary goal of no killing is to develop our compassion.
2. Abstain From Stealing
Wanting something that is not yours is an unhealthy desire and leads to suffering. This precept certainly includes taking what's not yours by theft or deception but this precept goes further than that. A more complete translation would be ‘abstain from taking what is not given’.
This precept presupposes a deep respect for the property of others. Don’t just assume that you can borrow something.
An interesting consideration of this precepts also includes wasting someone's time. This to may also be considered stealing.
3. Abstain From Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct originates from sensory desire, physical or one of power. The desire for pleasurable experiences can be so great that you lose the ability to lookout for the wellbeing of yourself and the other.
The Buddha speaks out against sexual misconduct and offers multiple examples of what sexual misconduct is:
- sexual acts with someone who is under the protection of their parents
- with someone who already has a steady relationship,
- unwanted or punishable sexual acts (abuse),
- and prostitution
In essence, this precepts relates to any form of sexual act that harms the other person.
4. Abstain From Wrong Speech
Abstaining from wrong speech means:
- Not lying, even 'white lies'.
- Not speaking in a way that causes division among others
- Not using rude language
- Not gossiping
If we look even slightly closer at these examples we can easily see that much of what we witness on TV, from sitcoms, cable news, political speeches, or talk shows would fall under many of these examples.
5. Abstain From The Use Of Intoxicating Substances That Cause Inattention
The last precept is to abstain from using intoxicants that cause inattention. The piece ‘that cause inattention’ is essential inclusion too. This precept is specifically about abstaining from things that prevent or work against aware.
Alcohol is the most commonly used of these substances. Alcohol divides the mind and makes this awareness impossible. Whoever drinks alcohol irrevocably brings his mind into a state that is incompatible with the teachings of the Buddha.
But it's not only alcohol but also includes not taking any substances that causes one to lose conscience or conduct immoral behavior. For example, Marijuana, opium, amphetamine, sniffing glue, morphine, etc. The exception to some of these would be when they are prescribed by a physician for legitimate medical purposes.
The main purpose of this precept is to prevent your mind from becoming so weakened and losing control that you will break the other precepts.
Summary
In modern life some of these precepts may seem restrictive but when considered with the wisdom that which they were given we see that they are really freeing and liberating.
When our minds are occupied by alcohol or drug addiction are we free? No, of course not, One is then a servant to another master.
When we spend our precious time gossiping about another we are causing suffering to them, even if they aren't present, and suffering for ourselves.
If we look at jails and prisons they are filled with people who have violated one or more of these precepts resulting in their incarceration. This too is suffering for that person as well as their family members.
When you follow these five precepts you will experience the freedom and liberation that all beings seek.
And with that my friends I wish you all peace and ease,
Vladimir
You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram @bluelotuscenter for more way to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.
Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.
Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us
For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment