November 30 is Il Poya
Morality, virtue and ethical conduct
By Ven. Meegahakumbure Dhammagaveshi Thera
We discussed the first of the Ten Perfections - 'Dana Paramita' last month.
Today let us move on to 'Sila Paramita'.
'Sila' in Pali means morality, virtue or ethical conduct. There are
several aspects of 'Sila', which should be examined. First of all, it is
necessary to understand the importance of developing ethical conduct. Secondly,
laymen should know the ethical principles that are necessary to lead a
worldly life. Thirdly, we should understand how these precepts should be
followed. Finally, we should know the benefits gained by adhering to these
precepts.
Morality
Those who want to lead a harmless, peaceful and pure life must establish
themselves in 'Sila'. Morality is the first step in the Noble Eightfold
Path, which gives vision and knowledge, and leads one to Insight on the
path to Enlightenment and Nibbana, the supreme bliss. That is the way which
leads people to do away with craving and sensual desires (Lobha), aversion
(Dosa) and ignorance (Moha).
The story is told of how one night a deity appeared in front of the
Buddha when He was residing at the Jetavana monastery and asked how he
could free himself from the tangles of craving both internally and externally.
Answering his question, the Buddha told him how a wise person, a seeker
of truth, should first establish himself in virtue and then start developing
concentration and insight. Morality is thus an indispensable element of
spiritual progress. It is the foundation. As you know, a building will
not be strong if the foundation is weak.
Moral principles
Now let us examine the second element in the list of moral principles.
The precepts in Buddhist discipline can be broadly divided into two categories.
One is for lay persons ('Gihi Vinaya') and the other is for the clergy
('Bhikkhu Vinaya'). The Buddha did not expect the lay people to follow
the same code of conduct that He laid down for the clergy. Lay people were
told to follow five basic precepts - 'Pancha Sila' or 'Pan Sil'. These
are meant for their daily life. On Poya days when a layman observes 'Sil',
he was advised to follow eight - 'Ata Sil' or ten - 'Dasa Sil' - precepts.
We are quite familiar with the five precepts. A quick reminder would
be useful. These advise one to abstain from i) killing, ii) stealing, iii)illicit
sexual conduct, iv) lying and v) taking alcohol and drugs. In following
each of these precepts, one has to do it in two ways.
While avoiding killing, one must also extend loving thoughts towards
all living beings. Instead of stealing, one must protect others' possessions.
While abstaining from sexual misconduct, allow others to live freely, without
any harassment. You may not lie, but use truthful words. While keeping
away from alcoholic drinks and drugs, try also to control your tongue.
Morality is also defined under the Noble Eightfold Path. Here morality
falls within the third, fourth and fifth factors, which are Right Speech,
Right Action and Right Livelihood. These constitute the ethical code of
conduct.
Right Speech is to refrain from lying. There may be instances when you
refrain from divulging facts. Then again, you may profess to know things
you don't. That is a lie. You should also refrain from slandering and backbiting.
Refrain from using bitter and harsh words or impolite utterances, which
may hurt others. Avoid gossip. Speak pleasant words that bring about unity
and happiness.
Let me present a Jataka story to illustrate the need to use kind words.
The Bodhisatva was once born as a bull. As a calf, it was gifted to a Brahmin,
who named him Nandi Visala and treated the animal like a son. He became
a strong bull. He was wise and grateful to his master and wanted to show
his gratitude.
He wanted the Brahmin to take a bet for a thousand pieces of gold with
any merchant saying Nandi Visala was strong enough to draw one hundred
carts loaded with goods all by himself. The bet was taken and on the day
when the strength of the bull was to be tested, a large crowd gathered
to witness the event. The Brahmin was confident of winning the bet and
started shouting at the bull. ".... Pull them along, rascal," he shouted.
The bull did not like his tone and the words he used and didn't budge
an inch. The Brahmin lost the bet. The Bodhisatva told him he should never
have used bad words like 'rascal' and told him he had lost because of such
utterances.
The bull indicated to him that he should now double the bet and try
and win back the money he lost. At the second session, the Brahmin was
very nice to the bull encouraging him with kind words. The bull obliged.
The Brahmin won the bet and the bull had taught him a good lesson.
To move on to the other aspects, Right Action means not taking the life
of others, stealing things, dishonest dealings and indulging in sexual
misconduct.
Right Livelihood prevents us from making money through dealings of lethal
weapons, alcoholic drinks or killing.
To what extent should we make sacrifices to keep to the precepts we
have discussed? There have been instances when lives were sacrificed for
the sake of truth. Those who believe in adhering to the precepts and realise
the greatness of the Dhamma or Truth, are even willing to abandon their
wealth, give up their limbs or sacrifice their life.
Let us now take a quick look at the benefits of 'Sila'. Buddha mentions
such benefits in many places in His discourses. These have been categorised
in the Visuddhi Magga - the Path of Purification. The life of the virtuous
one may not be an easy path, he may not possess heaps of material things
to make his life comfortable, yet he will never lose his wealth by gambling
and drinking. His fame will spread in all directions. He can face up to
any situation or walk into any gathering without any hesitation. He would
be ready to face death with mindfulness. He will be born in a good place
after death.
One should not expect gains or status in return for a good deed. If
so he will not reap the benefits of the 'Sila Paramita'. One should do
good deeds with no strings attached.
(The writer is resident monk of the Schofield Buddhist Temple, Sydney.) |
