|
These pages describe the code of conduct of a Buddhist
monk who has initiated journey on the Eightfold Path having become a Buddhist monk. 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.
Go to Part 2
|
