Adding the Second Perfection: Ethics

 

I first learned about the Precepts several years ago from Judith Ragir.  I even wrote the first 5 precepts on a post-it and put it up next to the toilet roll so I can read them regularly.
OK. I know that's kind of a weird idea but I got it from the class I was taking with Sylvia Boorstein.

I've also found there are several ideas of what the precepts are. Here are two. One comes from buddha net but I'm not sure where I got the other.

The Five Precepts in positive terms are as follows:

I undertake the training precept to:

1. Act with Loving-kindness;
2. Be open hearted and generous;
3. Practice stillness, simplicity and contentment;
4. Speak with truth, clarity and peace;
5. Live with mindfulness.

The second one is more descriptive:

1) To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings. This precept applies to all living beings not just humans. All beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected.

2) To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. This precept goes further than mere stealing. One should avoid taking anything unless one can be sure that is intended that it is for you.

3) To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure such as gluttony as well as misconduct of a sexual nature.

4) To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. As well as avoiding lying and deceiving, this precept covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others.

5) To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. This precept is in a special category as it does not infer any intrinsic evil in, say, alcohol itself but indulgence in such a substance could be the cause of breaking the other four precepts.

I found it interesting that in the Mahayana tradition, one is a strict vegetarian. Not because it's a precept, but to strengthen the first precept of not killing.


For more info go to Plum Village and check out the 5 mindfulness training page.

Humble people don't think less of themselves, they just think of themselves less.

The deception of others is nearly always rooted in the deception of ourselves.