The five precepts of Buddhist ethics

Unlike other philosophies and beliefs, in Buddhism there are no absolute commands or insurmountable rules.. The guidelines for life are simply summarized in the five precepts of Buddhist ethics. As the name indicates, they are not norms, but precepts: the difference is important.

The difference between a commandment and a precept is that the first is mandatory, while the second is not (recommended). What is prescribed constitutes rather a guide, a suggestion or a guideline. The five precepts of Buddhist ethics do not seek to impose behavior, but rather to draw some lines on what they consider to be best for the individual and society.

It is important to note that the five precepts of Buddhist ethics They are subject to a criterion that constitutes the axis of that philosophy: compassion. This means that when faced with any doubt or contradiction, it is always recommended to choose the behavior that is most compassionate. In other words, there is some flexibility in the interpretation of these precepts, which are as follows.

1. You will not take any life

Each precept is selective. The person accepts it voluntarily if he agrees with it. The first, which is to refrain from taking the life of a sentient being (people and animals), has an equivalent that proves it right of being: “With actions of love and kindness I purify my body”.

To accept this precept, which is the most important, it is first necessary to understand that every living being is terrified of punishment that for life it is a precious asset and that all sentient beings are equal. It is only acceptable to take a life to defend your own.

2. You will not take what has not been given to you

This is another of the five precepts of Buddhist ethics that coincides with commandments or norms that exist in other beliefs and religions. It basically means not stealing and is inspired by conviction that generosity purifies, while greed corrupts.

For Buddhism, what enriches is giving, not taking. Depriving others of their property is a form of violence, because such property is also part of their identity. By cultivating generosity, greed diluted.

3. You will not have sexual misconduct

In Buddhism there is no statement that provides or taints feelings of guilt about sexuality.. Nor does it observe any type of discrimination based on people’s sexual orientations. He accepts heterosexuality, homosexuality, onanism, transvestism and celibacy. He also accepts monogamy, polygamy and polyandry.

What is considered sexual misconduct in Buddhism is any practice that hurts another or gives disproportionate importance to sex.. For this school of thought, the good life does not depend on the satisfaction of desires, but on their voluntary elimination.

4. Thou shalt not lie, one of the five precepts of Buddhist ethics

More than not lying as such, what they call the five precepts of Buddhist ethics is giving a sacred value to the word. They think that truthfulness is a source of trust and that the latter is absolutely necessary for social cohesion. That is why they reject lies.

They point out that lying is an act of violence against others, as it condemns them to fantasy and unreality. This prevents them from directing their actions consciously. The same way, Whoever lies harms himself, because he ends up enslaved by his own falsehood. To sustain a lie you must tell many more.

5. You will not ingest toxic substances that can cloud your mind

Buddhists advocate a clear and calm conscience. They think that the ingestion of toxic substances leads to the “fog of deception”. That is why they advocate the practice of meditation as an essential means to achieve the joy that emanates from liberation.

They reject not only the use of alcohol and drugs, but also coming into contact with situations that may disturb the mind or confuse reason.. This includes massive and unbridled events, television, compulsive shopping, etc.

The five precepts of Buddhist ethics are not dictated to repress, but quite the opposite: to liberate. In Buddhism it is very important to break ties and allow consciousness to expand to the maximum. Therefore, in essence all these guidelines seek to promote individual well-being and not submission to moral authorities.

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