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Your Story - The Decision to be a 10 Precept Buddhist
Has anyone here made the decision to follow the 10 precepts and thus decided against the life of a householder and has or has not joined a monastery. I think your Stories would be interesting to hear...
1.Refrain from killing living things.
2.Refrain from stealing.
3.Refrain from un-chastity (sensuality, sexuality, lust).
4.Refrain from lying.
5.Refrain from taking intoxicants.
6.Refrain from taking food at inappropriate times (after noon).
7.Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending entertainment programs (performances).
8.Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and garland (decorative accessories).
9.Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds.
10.Refrain from accepting money
1.Refrain from killing living things.
2.Refrain from stealing.
3.Refrain from un-chastity (sensuality, sexuality, lust).
4.Refrain from lying.
5.Refrain from taking intoxicants.
6.Refrain from taking food at inappropriate times (after noon).
7.Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending entertainment programs (performances).
8.Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and garland (decorative accessories).
9.Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds.
10.Refrain from accepting money
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Comments
I don't think so, not here....
(I dispute, in any case, the wording of number 3....)
you may like to post your question here:
http://www.dhammawheel.com/index.php
there are several members who have taken vows, or ordained there....
The first 5 precepts are pretty much universal throughout all Buddhist sects. Then there are another 5 after that. The next 5 in Zen is pretty unique to Zen. Below them is commentary on them by Bodhidharma and Zen Master Dogen.
1. Not Killing.
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the everlasting Dharma, not giving rise to the ideal of killing is called the Precept of Not Killing.
Dogen: The Buddha seed grows in accordance with not taking life. Transmit the life of Buddha’s wisdom and do not kill.
2. Not Stealing
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the unattainable Dharma, not having thoughts of gaining is called the Precept of Not Stealing.
Dogen: The self and things of the world are just as they are. The gate of emancipation is open.
3. Not Misusing Sex
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the ungilded Dharma, not creating a veneer of attachment is called the Precept of Not Misusing Sex.
Dogen: The Three Wheels are pure and clear. When you have nothing to desire, you follow the way of all Buddhas.
4. Not Lying
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the inexplicable Dharma, not preaching a single word is called the Precept of Not Lying.
Dogen: The Dharma Wheel turns from the beginning. There is neither surplus nor lack. The whole universe is moistened with nectar, and the truth is ready to harvest.
5. Not Intoxicants
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the intrinsically pure Dharma, not giving rise to delusions is called the Precept of Not Giving or Taking Drugs.
Dogen: Drugs are not brought in yet. Don’t let them invade. That is the great light.
6. Not Discussing Faults of Others.
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the flawless Dharma, nor expounding upon error is called the Precept of Not Speaking of Faults of Others.
Dogen: In the Buddha Dharma, there is one path, one Dharma, one realization, one practice. Don’t permit faultfinding. Don’t permit haphazard talk.
7. Not Praising Yourself While Abusing Others
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the equitable Dharma, not dwelling upon I against you is called the Precept of Not Praising Yourself while Abusing Others.
Dogen: Buddhas and Ancestral Teachers realize the empty sky and the great earth. When they manifest the noble body, there is neither inside nor outside in emptiness. When they manifest the Dharma body, there is not even a bit of earth on the ground.
8. Not Sparing the Dharma Assets. (Generosity)
Bodhidharma. Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the genuine, all- pervading Dharma, not being stingy about a single thing is called the Precept of Not Sparing the Dharma Assets.
Dogen: One phrase, one verse–that is the ten thousand things and one hundred grasses; one dharma, one realization–that is all Buddhas and Ancestral Teachers. Therefore, from the beginning, there has been no stinginess at all
9. Not Indulging in Anger
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the selfless Dharma, not contriving reality for the self is called the Precept of Not Indulging in Anger.
Dogen: Not advancing, not retreating, not real, not empty. There is an ocean of bright clouds. There is an ocean of solemn clouds.
10. Not Defaming the Three Treasures
Bodhidharma: Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the One, nor holding nihilistic concepts of ordinary beings and sages is called the Precept of Not Defaming the Three Treasures.
Dogen: The teisho of the actual body is the harbor and the weir. This is the most important thing in the world. Its virtue finds its home in the ocean of essential nature. It is beyond explanation. We just accept it with respect and gratitude.
As for "My story". I really don't have one other than it's just a natural extension of practice and commitment to practicing.
AFAIK.....
Are you kidding?
what's your problem?
don't you think a little dedication, self-sacrifice and commitment is a good thing?
I limit sexual activity, I limit entertainments and distractions, I usually eat my last meal around 2 or 3 but occasionally have a small snack later ( a full stomach detracts from the ability to meditate well). As a man there isn't much social pressure to wear make-up or jewelery so that one is fairly easy, though I will shave and use deodorant and even a little gel in my hair. I do however have a comfy bed and enjoy the recliner and I don't think the bank would take to kindly to me not paying my mortgage so I do accept money but I don't make my life about the pursuit of it.
I plan on ordaining, when I am ready. But I know myself enough that when I have an idea strong enough in the back of my mind that I will carry out at some point, I do it. It is rare I have such ideas, leaving my country and everyone/thing in it was one.
No, I certainly don't think so!
Refraining from entertainments is a struggle as a lay person. But in retreat type atmospheres I've tasted some of the peace and happiness that is internally generated and its far better and more reliable. When the mind is filled with this feeling there is no room for boredom.
Also, in Asia, are monastics not supposed to attend festivals, even if they are Buddhist?
As for #10, it's funny how things change in the modern world, or how modernity forces people to find loopholes. Since obviously many monastics in the developed world have to use money at some point, they use credit/debit cards instead of cash!
These 10 precepts are usually not for laypeople, except for retreat periods. Especially the one about the money may become more a hassle than actually useful, I can imagine.
Again, what of the chanting that is musical in nature?
P.S. I'm just about to break number 8, I have been at work for 24 hours now and I'm not going to be popular without a bit of deodourant...
Couldn't one argue that even death metal - although very aggressive in aesthetic - is a way of helping one "let go" of anger and hatred?
I also don't understand the second half of your reply, sorry. Could you rephrase?
Consumer culture is driven by creating (through advertising) cravings and then offering us ways to fulfill them. Buying things and experiences is how the modern world (maybe the old world as well) has defined happiness. Buddhism says that true happiness lies beyond fulfilling our cravings.
Ten Wholesome actions for lay person:
No Killing
No Stealing
No Committing Sexual Misconduct
No False Speech
No Divisive Speech
No Harsh Speech
No Idle Speech
No Covetousness or Envy
No Ill Will
No Wrong View
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samanera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Precepts_(Buddhism)#Ten_Precepts
1.I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
2.I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
3.I undertake to abstain from sexual activity.
4.I undertake to abstain from wrong speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
5.I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.
6.I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is after sunrise, before noon).
7.I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
8.I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep.
Usually these are only taken for one day or a few days at a time or while one is in retreat or intensive study.