Conduct to Avoid as a Buddhist and Its Philosophical Underpinnings
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, is a profound spiritual tradition that teaches a path toward enlightenment through ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. This tradition includes a variety of practices, each tailored to different capacities and dispositions of sentient beings. As a Buddhist, certain moral codes and principles are essential to follow in order to avoid evil deeds, cultivate goodness, and purify the mind. This article delves into the six key practices to avoid, and the philosophical underpinnings that guide these principles.
The Six Core Avoidances in Buddhism
First and foremost, a Buddhist should abstain from killing living beings. This ethics emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of compassion. By not engaging in activities that result in harm or death, one fosters a state of mindfulness and respect for all life forms. This practice is not only about non-violence but also about cultivating a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
Secondly, a Buddhist must abstain from theft. Theft represents a violation of trust and can disrupt the harmony and balance of social life. By refraining from stealing, a Buddhist contributes to a more equitable society and reinforces the value of honesty and integrity.
A third core principle is an abstinence from sexual misconduct. This includes behaviors that do not respect the consensuality, rights, and boundaries of others. Practices of sexual misconduct can lead to suffering for both the perpetrator and the victim. By adhering to ethical sexual conduct, Buddhists emphasize mutual respect and consent, contributing to a healthy and peaceful community.
The fourth principle is the avoidance of false statements. This includes lying, deceiving, and any form of misinformation. honesty is crucial in maintaining trust and fostering a compassionate, understanding society. By being truthful and transparent, a Buddhist contributes to the stability and trustworthiness of the community.
A fifth essential practice is the abstinence from using intoxicants for non-medical purposes. Intoxicants can cloud judgment, diminish compassionate action, and harm oneself and others. By avoiding intoxicants, a Buddhist upholds a clear and stable mind, free from external distractions that can impede spiritual growth and one's ability to perform ethical actions.
In addition to these individual practices, the Vanijja Sutta specifically details that a lay Buddhist should avoid business in weapons, living beings, meat, intoxicants, and poison. These economic activities are seen as wrong livelihoods because they contribute to harm and suffering, contradicting the Buddhist principles of nonviolence and compassion.
The Importance of Proper Practices
Proper practices are those that are in alignment with the school of Buddhism and the lineage you choose to follow. Each Buddhist path is self-contained and fully complete in itself, leading to enlightenment when practiced diligently. However, since these paths vary widely, it's essential to immerse yourself fully in one lineage and dedicate yourself to its teachings.
The Buddha taught various methods for enlightenment to suit the diverse capacities and dispositions of sentient beings. There are 84,000 different paths, each leading to the same ultimate goal: enlightenment. A student of Buddhism can choose a path that resonates with their own unique circumstances and spiritual journey. This choice is made deliberately, as it ensures a deeper and more meaningful engagement with the teachings.
It is crucial to avoid mixing practices and techniques from different schools. Doing so can cause cognitive dissonance and barriers to spiritual growth. For instance, practicing Zen, Vajrayana, Shingon, and Theravada simultaneously can lead to conflicting beliefs and practices, resulting in superficial understanding and no actual realization. A committed practitioner should choose one lineage and stick with it.
In conclusion, as a student of Buddhism, it is essential to avoid specific kinds of misconduct, such as killing, theft, sexual misconduct, false statements, and the use of intoxicants for non-medical purposes. By adhering to these practices and committing to a single lineage, a practitioner can work toward enlightenment, benefiting not just themselves but also the broader community. The ultimate goal is to live a life of goodness, compassion, and truth.