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These pages describe the code of conduct of a Buddhist monk who has
initiated journey on the Eightfold Path having renounced the worldly pleasures. We speak
of the virtues he should cultivate and the monastic discipline he needs to follow
in order to complete his journey.
The Practice of Morality
After discarding all his worldly possessions, the initiate starts his life as
a monk by observing the rules
applicable to the monks. He practices morality in many ways. He avoids killing of
living beings. He develops sympathy and concern for the welfare of all living beings.
He avoids stealing. He refrains from taking what is not given to him. He takes
only that which is given to him, and waits till it is given to him. He lives with
a pure and honest heart. He avoids unchastity, lives a chaste life, is resigned,
and stays away from the "vulgar types" of sexual intercourse.
He avoids all forms of lying. He speaks only truth, having become devoted to
it. He does not indulge in the deception of men. He avoids carrying tales from one
person to another. What he hears at one place he does not repeat it else where so
as to cause conflicts and disturbance. He thus unites people who are divided and
encourages those who are already united to have better concord. Concord makes him
happy and it is concord that he spreads by his words.
He avoids the use of harsh language. He speaks only those words that are gentle,
soothing to listen, loving, touch the heart, courteous and pleasant, and agreeable
to many. He avoids vain talk, speaking only when appropriate, as per the facts,
speaking what is useful and about the Initiate His speech is very precious, which
comes at the right moment, supported by arguments, moderate and very sensible.
He stays away from dance, song, music and the visiting of shows. He does not
accept flowers, perfumes, ointments, or any kind of ornament or embellishment. He
does not sleep on high and ostentatious beds. He does not accept gold and silver,
or raw corn and meat, or women and girls. He does not own male or female slaves,
or goats, sheep, fowls, pigs, elephants, cows or horses, or land and goods.
He does not go on errands or act like a messenger. He refrains from buying and
selling things. He does not approve false measures, metals and weights. He does
not indulge in the crooked methods of bribery, deception and fraud. He is aloof
from stabbing, beating, chaining, attacking, plundering and oppressing.
He is content with the robe that protects his body and the alms that keeps him
alive. Wherever he goes he carries these two with him, like the winged birds that
carries its wings. By observing these rules of morality, he attains in his heart
undisturbed happiness.
Suggested Further Reading
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