How to practice “Sīla” effectively
by Ven. Dr. I. Indasara Mahāthera (part 2)
Similarly, the other precepts also have two phases. For instance, the second precept is to refrain from taking possession of anything that has not been given by its owner.
Simply refraining is not enough.
Whilst we may not take or steal others’ property, we should also not be envious of others’ possessions. We should not harbour any negative thoughts or feelings about diminishing or destroying others’ assets with fire, flood, or accident. Instead, we should respect others’ right to use their well-earned possessions as they see fit.
Adultery is wrong. One who commits it does not command respect nor inspire confidence.
Sexual misconduct involving persons with whom conjugal relations should be avoided according to custom, or those who are prohibited by law, or by the Dhamma, is also wrong.
So is coercing by physical or even financial means a married or even unmarried person into consenting to such conduct.
The purpose of this third Sīla is to preserve the respectability of the family of each person concerned and to safeguard its sanctity and inviolability. By the same token, respect of person, place and property should be customary behaviour, “Do not intrude into people’s homes without invitation. Do not peep into their rooms from outside”.
It is proper for us to adopt manners derived from the Sīlas or moral rules, all of which aim at promoting good behaviour and discouraging laxity.
The fourth precept is avoidance of lying and harmful speech.
Some modern teachers such as Thich Nhat Hanh interpret this to include avoiding spreading false news and misinformation. Data manipulation, false advertising or online scams can also be regarded as violations.
The fourth precept is also seen to be broken when people insinuate, exaggerate or speak abusively or deceitfully.
Sometimes people are unable to speak the truth; for instance, they may have to lie to save themselves from harm, and doctors may lie to bolster their patients’ morale. Lying under these circumstances may be contrary to the Sila, but it is not entirely contrary to its purpose.
Here again, it is not enough to abstain from lying. We should strive to use our words for the benefit of others. Our words should be truthful, encouraging and pleasing to others’ minds.
The fifth precept covers all intoxicants, including narcotics, that alter the state of consciousness and are physiologically addictive. The danger and negative effects of narcotics, such as cocaine and heroin, are too well known to need any further elaboration.
Today they represent a serious health and social problem around the world. The most obvious danger of intoxicants is that they tend to distort people’s sensibilities and deprive them of their self-control and powers of judgment. Under alcoholic influences, a person is likely to act rashly and without due consideration or forethought.
Otherwise decent people may even commit murder or rape under the influence of alcohol, or cause all kinds of damage (such as fire, accident, and vandalism) to people or property. According to Buddhism, addiction to intoxicants brings about six main disadvantages:
1. loss of wealth;
2. quarrels and strife;
3. a poor state of health (susceptible to diseases);
4. a source of disgrace;
5. shameless and indecent behaviour; and
6. weakened intelligence and mental faculties
The main objective of five precepts is to promote peace and harmony in society. Every being should be able to live without fear for his own life.
He has the right to make a living and own/use his assets without fear of it being endangered. He should be able to lead a happy family life without having any suspicion and quarrelling with his wife and have an amicable relationship with his neighbours. With a calm mind and not intoxicated, he lives a healthy and moral life. Peace and harmony will then prevail in society.
Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā!
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