BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Buddhism Buddhist Ethics - Difference From Commandments

Hi all, my latest article is on the Buddhist Precepts, the core ethical guidelines within Buddhism. They are sometimes compared to the Ten Commandments, but are different in that they are considered guidelines for personal spiritual practice, as opposed to being Commandments.

Great article Lisa

It made me think about the differences.... when it's a guideline, you are following them, it's your choice.

Following a commandment out of fear doesn't mean anyone is changing on the inside.

Exactly. It's tough though, even after all these years I still find myself sometimes relating to various spiritual principles as 'rules' - we are so conditioned to think in terms of rules, at school, etc., and to think in punitive terms. Reframing our minds to think in terms of love and worthiness takes times...

A great article especially for those who are new to the ideas. Making it a guideline allows one to make a choice and also discover their own limits with each precept. Some people will take them further than others, but personal development is still the key.

I enjoyed this article a lot. I liked the discussion about lying vs harmful truths. It is so easy for people to insist on the truth when that would only cause harm. What good would it do for a boyfriend to say to his girlfriend every morning, "you are obese". Certainly it could be the truth ... and saying it does no helpful thing. Being loving and kind often means encouraging on some fronts and being silent on others.

To Lisa, When engaged in living Buddhism,being a Bhuddist Monk,like myself the precepts only bring you closer to purity ,of the mind. The 5 precepts are a guide to lay persons ,whom would be interested in living the Buddhist phylosophy.If we look at them they are basic rules of life for someone whom even just started on a spiritual path.In true life.These precepts are basic to a good life,do not lie,do not steal, do not cheat on your spouse ,do not kill, and do not take intoxicants,in any form. For a lay person,that is the hardest part.I have not had a drink or any intoxicanrs in 35 years.So it is doable. Thank you for thread on the basic precepts on buddhism. I too am a vegetarian and I am from the Treravada lineage. A simplebuddhist named loong

Dear Loong -

I would love to hear about your life as a monk!

Did you live in a monastery, or in a traditional house? What was your day like?