The Dasa Sila Flashcards
What is the dasa sila also known as
The ten precepts
What are the ten precepts
They are majorly and ethical principles fo Buddhist beyond the vinya and can be found in the precepts of person conduct
- they are adapted to iffrent levels of commitment - the first five are something all Buddhist do
Teh next three are for everyone but lay Buddhist
And the last five are for monks and nuns only
What are the first five precepts
k
s
s
l
d
also known as the panca sila
Refrain from destroying living creature
Refreian from taking what is not given
Refrain from sexual misconduct
Refrain from incorrect speech
Refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness
What are the next three
e
d
l
- they are done during persiods of intensive meditation
1. Refrain from eating at the forbidden time
2. Refrain from dancing singing, music, going to see entertainment, wearing garlands, using perfumes abd beautifying the body with cosmetics
3. Refrain from lying on a high luxurious place to sleep
What are the final five precepts
e
s
w
l
m
- these are ones only done by monks and nuns
1. Refrain from eating at teh forbidden time eg after midday
2. Refrain from singing, dnincing and going to see entertainment
3. Refrain from wearing garlands, perfumes, and beatifying the body with cosmetics
4. Refrain from lying on high or luxurious places
5. Refrain from accepting money
What are the benefits of the ten precepts
- guides someone through life on the path of Buddhism
- helped behave ethically
What is the relationship between the m static sangha and the laity
Laity - poeple who are not fully ready to be enlightened in this life time
- the monastery serves the community and in return the laity forms the economic base of monasticism through alms and land donations and help within and around the monastery
What is the significance of the precept s
- they encourage personal ethical responsibility
- they got be interpretated in many diffrent ways and some will take them very literally
- thye serve a wider a guide to the sangha
- some people question the significance of some of the precepts within the communitg and who they are significanat for
what happens when you break the precepts
- it depends on the intention
- descibed as unskillfuull
- budhdist are encourgaed to leave from their mistakes and move on - if the intention behind it wasnt a bad one
what are the posittive sides of the precepts
- part of therapy
- practical
- clear cut and they either fit or dont
- set aspriration that is reachable
The Role of the Precepts in Buddhist Practice
The Ten Precepts serve as a foundation for Buddhist ethics. They encourage practitioners to live with integrity, mindfulness, and simplicity. By observing these precepts, individuals learn to curb harmful behaviors, develop compassion, and avoid distractions that lead away from spiritual progress. Through following these ethical guidelines, practitioners purify their actions, speech, and thoughts, gradually transforming their lives and their understanding of the nature of suffering.
For monastics, these precepts are considered the cornerstone of their path. For laypeople, they provide essential guidelines that foster personal transformation and contribute to a harmonious society. In both cases, the precepts support the cultivation of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, which are essential elements on the path to liberation (nirvana).
what is the first precept in depth
Abstain from killing living beings
Meaning: This precept emphasizes respect for all forms of life, acknowledging the interdependence of all beings. It goes beyond not killing animals and humans; it also encourages mindfulness toward any actions that cause harm to living beings, such as verbal abuse or even harming plants.
Purpose: To foster compassion, non-violence, and respect for life. By refraining from taking life, a practitioner cultivates loving-kindness (metta) and develops a sense of empathy toward all beings, contributing to a peaceful and harmonious world.
Example: Not killing or harming animals for food, clothing, or entertainment, and extending this principle to all sentient beings, large and small.
what is the second precpet in depth
Abstain from taking what is not given
Meaning: This precept encourages honesty, integrity, and respect for others’ property. It’s about not stealing or taking things without permission, including not taking credit for something that is not one’s own.
Purpose: To reduce attachment and cultivate generosity. By refraining from stealing, a practitioner learns to respect others’ possessions, honor others’ rights, and develop a sense of contentment with what they have.
Example: Not stealing material goods, but also avoiding taking someone’s time, attention, or emotional energy without consent.
what is the third precept in depth
- Abstain from sexual misconduct
Meaning: Sexual misconduct includes actions that cause harm to others in the realm of sexual activity, such as infidelity, abuse, or exploitation. For monks and nuns, this precept is extended to full celibacy.
Purpose: To cultivate purity of mind and heart. Sexual misconduct leads to attachment, jealousy, and disharmony, which distract from spiritual progress. By observing this precept, one seeks to reduce craving and create a more harmonious environment.
Example: Refraining from adultery or any behavior that leads to suffering in sexual relationships. For monastics, it is total celibacy.
what is the fourt precept in depth
- Abstain from false speech
Meaning: This precept urges truthfulness and honesty in speech, avoiding lies, deceit, gossip, and harmful words. It also includes not engaging in harsh speech or divisive language.
Purpose: To promote harmony and trust within communities. Speech is a powerful tool that can either uplift or harm others. When one practices truthful and kind speech, it helps to create a peaceful and supportive environment, free of misunderstandings and conflicts.
Example: Not lying, gossiping, or slandering others; speaking in a way that is gentle and helpful, not hurtful.
