Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia -- The Buddhists have a
practice known as the undertaking of Precepts. Specifically, there
is a set of Five Precepts or Panca-sila.
As a Buddhist, the
undertaking of the precepts is the most basic practice that cuts
across all major Buddhist traditions. As a ritual, Buddhists often
recite the Five Precepts on a daily basis to remind themselves of
their duties to self and society.
The Five Precepts
constitute the basic spiritual training practice in the following
aspects of life. They are the training to abstain from harming
living beings, taking what is not given, indulging in sensual
misconduct, speaking the untruth and substance abuse and
intoxication.
The precepts and
human rights
The first of the Five
Precepts translates “I undertake the training rule to abstain from
destroying lives”.
This recitation is so
basic that children in temple Sunday schools can recite and
memorise it. The precept tells us we should avoid harming one
another – not just human beings – but also animals and all living
beings.
The destruction
of lives can come in many forms. The worst form is the deliberate
act to end a life – killing.
There are other forms of
destruction – such as physical and emotional abuse that has no
place in our spiritual practice.
As Buddhists, we cannot
condone such acts as, the abuse of women and children from the
homes to places of work. We cannot accept the fact that harm and
pain can be inflicted upon others, no one has the right to
physically harm another – whatever the reason.
We cannot condone the
acts such as racism, discrimination based on class, ethnicity,
gender and sexuality. Some abuses go so deep that the victim
suffers physical and emotional damage.
The Third Precept
provides us with a strong reminder to respect the will of others,
especially those different from us. It is about appreciating others
for who they are.
As we recite the
precepts and reflect on the value of life, we are deeply aware that
the destruction of lives happens on various levels, including
political persecution, torture and death in custody.
Laws that allow the
opportunity for bodily hurt, mental and emotional trauma and that
remove justice and freedom must be abrogated.
I am reminded of the
Fourth Precept that the value of truth. It is imperative to speak
our minds to prevent the further damage and destruction to lives.
Recitation of the precepts in ancient language words without the
action is an empty practice.
Appreciating the
value of life
The sole purpose of the
precepts, beginning with the First Precept is to value life. We
need to value life and all that support life. We cannot take away
the right to education, cultural and religious practices of
individuals.
More importantly, we
must also support and sustain our ecological environment.
Acknowledging and positively responding to climate change is a
necessary part of our practice.
The Second Precept is a
reminder that we must not take away what rightfully belongs to
others. It also reminds us to of the need to develop generosity and
to give without expectation of returns. True generosity is about
being selfless in our generosity.
Selflessness can be
achieved with a state of mind that is calm and peaceful.
The Fifth Precept
reminds us of the need to have a calm mind, not quickly reacting to
others is indeed a virtue.
With a calm and composed
state of mind, meaningful discussions and dialogues will be able to
be carried out. Truthful communication and right speech aids in the
development of friendship. Healthy and positive relationships are
foundations for a peaceful society.
As such it is not
difficult for Buddhists to associate our practice of the precepts
with the Declaration of Human Rights.
The precepts are indeed
the basic building blocks of a peaceful society where human
dignity, freedom and personal rights are preserved, we call this
practice sila.
To practise sila is thus
to train oneself in preserving one's true nature, not allowing it
to be modified or overpowered by negative forces.
Acts of destruction are
blinded by greed, rage or hatred. Such negative qualities as anger,
hatred, greed, ill will, and jealousy are factors that alter
people's nature and make them into something other than their true
self.
The practice of precepts
is about returning to one's own basic goodness, the original state
of normalcy, unperturbed and unmodified.
Our teacher, the Buddha,
reminded us that even though we shut our eyes in meditation we
cannot shut our eyes and hearts from the suffering of
others.
We must strive to build
a just society for our families and friends – present and future.
Indeed, having a peaceful and just society to live is indeed a very
high blessing. (Patirûpa dêsa vâso .... êtam mangala
muttamam.)
Our spiritual and social
duties are to cultivate our minds and at the same time work for the
happiness and welfare of others. (Bahujana hitaya bahujana
sukhaya.)
Let me conclude with a
Buddhist Prayer of Loving Kindness:
SABBE SATTA SUKHITA
HONTU
May all beings be happy.
SABBE SATTA AVERA
HONTU
May all beings be free from enmity.
SABBE SATTA ABYAPAJJHA
HONTU
May all beings be free from malice.
SABBE SATTA ANIGHA
HONTU
May all beings be free from worry.
SABBE SATTA SUKHI
ATTANAM PARIHARANTU
May all beings preserve their wellbeing.
K.V. Soon (aka Vidyananda) is an executive committee member of
International Network of (Socially) Engaged Buddhists.