The Dasa Sila

Question 1

AO3: Why may the Dasa Sila only be of importance to monastics?

Answer 1

The ten precepts regulates the Sangha - therefore only for the monastics.

Question 2

AO3: How may the Dasa Sila be of importance to everyone?

Answer 2

All Buddhists take the first five, therefore incorporates everyone.

Question 3

AO3: What do the first five regulate?

Answer 3

General behaviour in the world.

Question 4

AO3: Why could the first five be seen to be more important?

Answer 4

If broken they lead to the ‘defeats’ - parajikas, leading to expulsion in monastic setting.

Question 5

AO3: What could be seen as more important than the Dasa Sila for monastics?

Answer 5

The Patimokkha and Vinaya - more comprehensive and create environment conductive to nibanna.

Question 6

AO3: Why could the Dasa Sila be seen as more important than the Patimokkha?

Answer 6

The precepts are vows with a more personal focus - a powerful force within the Buddhist psyche.

Question 7

AO3: How could they be seen to be of equal importance?

Answer 7

Precepts are there as a free choice to aid them in pursuit of nibanna whereas rules are to warn off bad behaviour.

Question 8

AO3: Why have the monastic precepts lost their importance?

Answer 8

There are few isolated monasteries today - relevance of monastic life decreased.

Question 9

AO3: Why could the precepts be dated?

Answer 9

In the West there has been a push to move away from monasteries outside the village towards urban life.

Question 10

AO3: Why are the precepts too vague for modern life?

Answer 10

They do not cover complicated issues. ie. non-harm does not always work.

Question 11

AO3: What does ‘socially engaged Buddhism’ do?

Answer 11

Applies the principles to the wider world and makes them relevant.

Question 12

AO3: Who may the Ten Precepts not be relevant for?

Answer 12

Other traditions of Buddhism outside Therevada.

Question 13

What is the dasa sila?

Answer 13

The dasa sila (ten precepts) refers to a code of conduct to help members of the sangha live in an ethical way.

Question 14

DS in relation to the eightfold path:

Answer 14

The dasa sila can be viewed as a practical application of the Eightfold Path.

Question 15

DS in the monastic sangha:

Answer 15

The ten precepts are taken by the monastic sangha and are seen as training rules particularly for novice bhikkus and bhikkunis.

Question 16

What do all Buddhists undertake?

Answer 16

All Buddhists would undertake to follow the first five precepts which are called the panca sila.

Question 17

The 10 precepts/dasa sila?

Answer 17

(1) I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures;
(2) I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given; (3) I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct; (4) I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech; (5) I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness; (6) I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after midday); (7) I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments; (8) I undertake the precept to refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics;
(9) I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place; (10) I undertake the precept to refrain from accepting gold and silver (money).

Question 18

How do Buddhists interpret the dasa sila?

Answer 18

Buddhists interpret and apply the dasa sila in different ways. Hiri (shame) might be felt when breaking a precept (this is not the same as guilt). Ottappa (complete awareness) with regard to intentions/actions needs to be used in applying the sila.