World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide

©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 35 of 96 – The individual who has attained any of the four stages of enlightenment, or simply the congregation of monastic practitioners Gautama Buddha presented himself as a model, according to the scriptures. The Dharma offers a refuge by providing guidelines for the alleviation of suffering. Those seeking this are also seeking nirvana. The Sangha is considered the authentic teachings of Buddha. This also notes that the truths of Buddha’s teachings are attainable. 4.9 Buddhist Ethics Sila is translated as “virtuous behavior”, “morality”, and even “ethics”. The individual must make an intentional effort. It is one of the three practices (sila, samadhi, and panna), and the second is paramita, which refers to moral purity of thought, word, and deed. The four conditions of sila are chastity, calmness, quiet, and extinguishment. Sila is the overall principles of ethical behavior. In the several levels of sila, one is the “basic morality”. In basic morality with asceticism, there are five precepts; in novice monkhood, there are eight precepts; and in monkhood, there are 10 precepts. We will discuss the primary eight precepts below. The first five precepts are the training rules on how to live a better life, one that is without worries so one can meditate well: 1. To refrain from taking a life (non-violence towards sentient life forms) or ahimsa 2. To refrain from taking that which is not given (not committing theft) 3. To refrain from sensual misconduct (including sexual) 4. To refrain from lying (always speak the truth) 5. To refrain from intoxicants that lead to loss of mindfulness, specifically drugs and alcohol The principles are not required, but are a part of the training. The cultivation of the dana and ethical conduct will refine the consciousness to a level where the rebirth in one of the lower heavens is likely, even if the person discontinues Buddhist practices. In the eight precepts, the third precept is even stricter when it comes to sexual misconduct and it becomes a precept of celibacy. The next three are as follows: 6. To refrain from eating at the wrong time (eat only from sunrise to noon) 7. To refrain from dancing and playing music, wearing jewelry and cosmetics, and attending shows or other performances 8. To refrain from using high or luxurious seats and bedding – Buddha is a title that is used when the person attains nirvana – These are the teachings, or law of nature, as expounded by Gautama Buddha • The Dharma • The Sangha 4.8 The Three Jewels • The Buddha