JUNQUE

If all I thought, said, and did could be summed up in words and put here that'd be pretty pathetic. I am a human being with a myriad of values, emotions, and perceptions of the world: both inner and outer. A few labels that describe my beliefs to some extent are: Absurdist, Buddhist, Pacifist, Anarchist, a Lover, avid Reader, Horror Film Buff, and Free-Thinker. Otherwise, look around, if you like then follow me; I try to make my page as eclectic as my personality and interests. Have a good life.

The Five Precepts (Part VI; On Buddhism)

The Five Precepts are basically the Buddhist’s Ten Commandments or their Five Pillars. I’m going to list each one and explain a little about it’s applicability. It is important to keep in mind that no deity is giving or forcing these upon you, but rather every Buddhist chooses to follow them to their best ability. These are not in any particular order as far as I know. 

1) I vow to abstain from taking life. 

This first one is why most Buddhist’s are vegetarians and pacifists which may seem extreme to the average Westerner. However, Buddhists believe that the karmic effects of taking a life, whether a person’s or an animal’s is very grave. (No pun intended. haha) In the Buddhist concept of rebirth people can be re-born as animals as well as humans, so killing an animal is equivalent to killing a person. Also, you should avoid a job which would even indirectly negatively effect a human life. 

It is important to note that this precept doesn’t mean that if you simply avoid a certain act you are a good person. You must also work to respect life and promote well-being in all your actions. 

All of the precepts are going to be twofold like this one. Abstain one type of behavior and strive for a positive one. 

2) I vow to abstain from taking what is not giving. 

So to simplify this precept, basically do not steal. There is debate as to how far one should go in obeying this precept. Some people say that if you are walking and see a pen that someone dropped, then you should not pick it up and take it because the person may return for it. I for one do not think it needs to be taken to this extreme, but I suppose it is up to each individual’s conscience as to what they feel qualifies as “stealing.”

Now for the twofold part: following this precept properly also means cultivating generosity. To follow this means growing less attached to material objects and being ready to give to those in need. This does not mean giving to a charity just once a year. First start in your community by investing time and energy into something which gives to those in need (i.e. a soup kitchen), and money is always good, but without someone using that money for good, it just sits there idly. Be active! 

3) I vow to abstain from sexual misconduct. 

I personally like this one a lot. It of course means “do not rape a person,” but it also means (here’s the twofold part)  ”be mindful and respectful of your partner.” Don’t rush them to be physically involved with you if they aren’t ready. I suppose it depends on the person as to whether they think this means remain chaste until you are married, but from my readings of Buddhist scripture and books about Buddhism I don’t glen abstinence as requirement for adhering to this precept. This precept to me mostly has to do with respect when it comes down to the nitty gritty; respect yourself and respect others with sexual acts. 

Monks and Nuns of course take this to the extreme of not having sex at all, but it isn’t necessary for the layperson to practice abstinence. 

4) I vow to abstain from false speech. 

This one can get tricky. So the over simplified version is “do not lie,” but it’s more than just that. First off, you should avoid any kind of deceptive speech; be it an outright lie or for example, telling only part of the truth so the situation looks the way you want it to is covered by this. 

The other part is being honest, earnest, and open with people in your speech. I think everyone knows how difficult this can be. 

5) I vow to abstain from taking intoxicants which lead to heedless behavior. 

Basically, don’t do drugs (and yes, alcohol is a drug). There is no problem with having some alcoholic drink, but just drinking to get drunk is irresponsible and distracts a person from the way they should be conducting their life.

This can also be taken to mean you should properly take care of your body. Avoid unhealthy food or an excess of any one type of food. For instance, too much of certain vitamins can cause you to overdose and maybe even die. 

There are actually five more precepts that monks and nuns take on when they join a monastery or convent. I’m not going to bother explaining these because they aren’t as important to the layperson.

6) Refrain from eating after noon. (Yes, they only eat between midnight and noon.)

7) Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music, or attending entertainment programs

8) Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics, and decorative accessories

9) Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds

10) Refrain from accepting money.

As always, I love comments and/or questions. :)

  1. shockvalue-bestvalue reblogged this from junque and added:
    ignore them. Not good.
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