3.1.11 The Five Precepts

Question 1

What are the 5 precepts - conceptually? (3)

Answer 1

• The 5 precepts are five commitments Buddhists undertake; they are 5 principles Buddhists try to follow to live ethically and morally.
• The Precepts are guidelines rather than rules.
• Underlying all of the precepts is intention - you have to want to follow them.

Question 2

What is the first of the 5 precepts? (4)

Answer 2

• To abstain from taking life
• This is a commitment not to harm or kill any living being, including animals.
• It is also a commitment to avoid violent and aggressive or harmful behaviour.
• Instead, Buddhists commit to developing an attitude of loving kindness.

Question 3

What is the second of the 5 precepts? (4)

Answer 3

• To abstain from taking what is not freely given
• This is a commitment not to take things which have not been given to you. This means not stealing but also not manipulating or exploiting people for your own gain – for example, gaining something deceitfully.
• Instead, Buddhists commit to show generosity to all beings.
• This is more than giving – it is an attitude of wanting others to do well, of not being jealous of what others have got.

Question 4

What is the third of the 5 precepts? (6)

Answer 4

• To abstain from misuse of the senses or sexual misconduct.
• This is a commitment not to abuse or over indulge in sensual pleasures or use sex harmfully, for example – do not engage in adultery, rape or incest.
• There are no strict rules on how to express your sexuality – just to avoid causing physical and/or emotional harm to others and to avoid taking advantage of others.
• The purpose of the precept is to control your life and not be controlled by your desires.
• For Buddhists sex should be an expression of love and intimacy between two people, and when it is, it contributes to one’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
• The positive aspect of this Precept also means that you should be responsible and loyal in relationships and friendships.

Question 5

What is the fourth of the 5 precepts? (6)

Answer 5

• To abstain from wrong speech.
• This is a commitment not to speak negatively to or about someone.
• Buddhists should avoid lying, slandering, gossiping, speaking harshly or unfairly.
• Instead Buddhists commit to being honest.
• This includes being yourself and not giving the wrong impression or trying to be something you are not.
• It means cultivating helpful, gentle, truthful and kind speech.

Question 6

What is the fifth of the 5 precepts? (5)

Answer 6

• To abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.
• This is a commitment not to take drugs or drink alcohol.
• If a Buddhist does drink they will only do so in moderation because they have committed themselves to developing a calm and clear mind – alcohol and drugs can prevent and disturb this.
• Alcohol and drugs should also be avoided because of what they might lead to - they often lead to breaking the other 4 precepts.
• Instead Buddhists commit to show mindfulness in their actions – to be aware of what they do and why they do it.

Question 7

Why is living ethically important to Buddhists? (2)

Answer 7

• Living ethically prevents Buddhists from causing suffering to others and means that they should desire to help those who do suffer.
• Actions result in karma; good actions produce fruitful karma.