Morality (II)
And here again, we have another VenTalk session! But things are getting spiced up in this lively session as we witness the brotherly friendship among hosts Nicholas, Larry, and Zhi Hao.
This recap is part of Road to Perfection.
By Goh Siqi • 3 minute readThe definition of right and wrong or good and bad varies among individuals. What is perceived as “correct” by one may be frowned upon by others. In Buddhism, we have the precepts that keep us in the path of morality, rendering us righteous beings.
There are many precepts in Buddhism: The Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, Precepts for monks, nuns as well as those who are committed to the Bodhisattva and Vajrasattva paths. As lay practitioners, we should abide by the Ten virtuous actions and the Five fundamental precepts: No killing; No stealing; No Lying; No intoxicant; No sexual misconduct.
No killing
Venerable Jonathan and the three hosts set down for a juicy discussion with three scenarios under the topic of killing. One of which is interesting to me — To kill or not kill a boar charging towards you. Now, imagine yourself alone in a forest, and right before you lies a wild boar. With a merciful stare and a ready position, there is no doubt that it is going to pounce on you in split seconds. Just like many others, my first instinct is to kill it to guarantee my survival. However, this act would set grave karma under the laws of the five precepts. Most of us value life and fear death, right? Just as one does not wish to be killed, we should refrain from killing at all times. And this should extend to not only humans but also animals, insects, and all sentient beings. If we make a conscious effort to not kill, we would attain long life and a healthy body. Besides, the medicine we consume would be effective.
No stealing
Money and material goods are certainly tempting. They create affliction and rampant greed. Once uncontrolled, robbery, theft, and fraud are only a matter of time. If people resort to stealing in their desperate attempts to satisfy their needs or desires, they may subsequently suffer from missing items, ephemeral products, and scarce resources. It is only ethical if we possess what is rightfully ours and return other’s property.
No lying
Right speech includes no lying, no senseless speech, and no slander. Some find gossiping a form of entertainment and joy to others. They speak senseless speeches that are exaggerated or understated, hoping to bring happiness to the people around them. While these slanders are spoken out of fun, it is meaningless and will do no good to others and ourselves. Firstly, it harms the reputation of others, creating more discord and misunderstanding. Secondly, as Zhi Hao said, “Friendship is built out of trust”, it harms us as people would no longer place their trust in us. A broken friendship is ensued and we may find ourselves being alone at the end of the day. When Right Speech is uphold, we may find ourselves in a harmonious and peaceful community. The good merits we have previously planted will ripen at a favorable time, and projects executed are meaningful.
Purpose of Observing the Five Precepts
Observing the precepts prevents us from committing non-virtuous actions and hence, guides us into a life of inner peace. Consciously abiding by the Precepts would purify ourselves as we walk the path towards complete happiness, and eradicate all sufferings.
