I think...
Buddha already sets a basic guideline with the 5
precepts. We can relate some of real-life scenarios with the 5
precepts.
The 5 precepts are...
1) Don't kill
2) Don't steal - to rid people of their possessions.
3) No false speech.
4) No sexual misconduct
5) No intoxicants
When one observes 5 precepts, it also means
that one is not committing these five kinds of evil
deeds. You are preventing oneself from commit harm
to others and cultivating good at the
same. Keeping the 5 precepts will prevent oneself
from falling into the lower realms.
There are many benefits in keeping the 5 precepts.
1) Do not kill. One must not deliberately kill any living
creatures, either by committing the act oneself, instructing others
to kill, or approving of or participating in act of killing. It is
a respect to others' lives.
One should not deprive others (animals not excluded) of the
right to live. If one is hurt or killed, one's family, relatives,
friends will suffer. It is the cause of rebirth in Three Evil
Paths. The effect of killing to the performer are brevity of life,
ill health, handicapped and fear.
In observing the first precept, one tries to protect life
whenever possible. Furthermore, one cultivates the attitude of
loving kindness to all beings by wishing that they may be happy and
free from harm.
2) Do not steal. It is a respect to other's properties and
the right to own property. If something is not given, one may not
take it away by stealing, by force or by fraud. Besides these, one
should avoid misusing money or property belonging to the public or
other persons. In a broader sense, the second precept also means
that one should not evade one’s responsibilities. If an employee is
lazy and neglects the duties or tasks assigned to him, he is, in a
way, "stealing" time that should have been spent on his work.
In its broadest sense, observing the second precept also means
that one cultivates the virtue of generosity. A Buddhist gives to
the poor and sick because of their need. He makes offerings to the
monks, nuns and masters because he respects the qualities they
possess. He is generous in his gifts to his parents, teachers and
friends because of the advice, guidance and kindness they have
shown him.
Besides giving material things to the needy and the worthy,
Buddhists should also offer sympathy and encouragement to those who
are hurt or discouraged. It is said, however, that the best of all
gifts is the gift of the Dharma in the form of teaching it or in
the production and distribution of Buddhist books.
Greed is one of the Three Poisons, which leads us to attachment
and suffering. The bad effect of stealing are poverty, misery,
disappointment, etc.
3) No sexual misconduct like committing adultery which
damage relationships, inflict harm to oneself and others; lead
to loss of harmony in family etc.
4) No false speech. To refrain from telling lies is to show
respect for the truth. No good can come from telling lies, be it
out of fun or malice. When a Buddhist observes the fourth precept,
he refrains from telling lies or half-truths that exaggerate or
understate, and instead cultivates the virtue of truthfulness. Once
people uphold the respect for truth, there will be fewer quarrels
and misunderstandings and fewer cases of false accusations in the
courts of justice. Society will then become more peaceful and
orderly.
5) No intoxicants. Buddhism emphasises wisdom. Taking
intoxicant will descend and lose the seed of wisdom. Intoxicants,
such as drugs, liquor, smoking, etc., are harmful to health. It
seems that taking intoxicant is not hurting others. However, if we
are drunk and lose our consciousness, we may easily commit evil
deeds and hurt others. Therefore, one who breaks this precept will
tend to break all other precepts along with it.
The fifth precept is based on respect for mental health. It
guard against the loss of control of one’s mind. It is particularly
important to those who meditate because, by refraining from taking
intoxicants, they can more easily cultivate awareness, attention
and clarity of mind. Thus the observance of the fifth precept not
only contributes to happiness in the family and peace in society,
it also prepares a person for the practice of Mental
Development.
Life may not be clear-cut sometime and there may
not be a standard model solution to answer all questions
but generally observing the 5 precepts are basic
guideline. Right view will arise when we cultivated morality,
samadhi and wisdom.
Thanks for the above guidelines. I do know them. I'm asking not
for a standard model solution to answer all questions. If there is,
the Buddha would have long ago given us one instead of speaking on
different life issues as they occur.
The problem is, conflicts or dilemmas do not wait till we have
cultivated morality, samadhi and wisdom. They come usually, when we
are most weak or unstable, spiritually, emotionally or
otherwise.
Thanks again for sharing.