would it be difficult for a lay buddhist to keep to the five precepts?
Q. and is it easier for monks and nuns to keep to the ten precepts?
Asked by sha-la-la-la. - Thu Apr 2 09:41:17 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Lay Buddhists will find liberation in the precepts, if they understand why they took the precepts in the first place. If they don't understand this, then the precepts will serve only as another burden in life. The lay precepts (5, 8, 10, 16, or 64) ask that we look clearly at the habitual impulses that govern so much of our behavior . . . and then make wise choices. We may not always succeed in this task - indeed, we cannot succeed every time - but the looking is the most important thing. Through this process we become deeply familiar with ourselves. Monks and nuns, if they understand why they've chosen the monastic path, find liberation in the precepts (10 for novices, 200+ for bhikkhus/bhikkhunis). However, if a monk or nun is… [cont.]
Answered by P'ang - Thu Apr 2 10:11:01 2009

Why might some people think that this Buddhist precept is impossible to follow?
Q. Precept: Do not take intoxicants. Thank you!
Asked by Audrey - Tue May 12 21:15:50 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I don't know. But something in Buddhism helped me out with my relationships with people. The Dalai Lama said to treat everyone as a bodhisattva. And since you don't know who is a bodhisattva you must treat all people as bodhisattva just in case. I am not Buddhist nor do I believe in people who postponed Nirvana to help others reach enlightenment, but the thought of me treating a bodhisattva like that (if they did exist) got me thinking. This has helped me a lot.
Answered by Rock of Life - Tue May 12 21:22:33 2009

Is there any way a Buddhist can eat after Noon?
Q. The tittle really says it all. According to one of the precepts, Buddhists can not eat after 12. ( Or noon ) Is there ANY way that we can?
Asked by Bill - Sun Aug 15 14:49:22 2010 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I've been studying Buddhism for 22 years. I've read more books than I can remember on the subject, and after all of that studying, I've concluded that not eating after 12 noon is a precept for Monks and Nuns. The average person practicing Buddhism can eat the regular three meals a day. Also, consider this: At the time that precept was written, people did not live in the fast-paced society that we live in today. If you deny yourself food after 12pm and still try to keep up with your job, your house, your family, you WILL collapse, exhausted. Also, keep in mind that Buddhism encourages the "Middle Way". I tend to think that not eating after 12pm is extreme, not moderate. The human body requires food every four hours. It is a biological fact. [cont.]
Answered by unknown - Sun Aug 15 14:56:12 2010

for a Buddhist what are the tyical issues/difficulties of following the five precepts? Please help!!?
Q. Please help am doing a religion study and am interested and need to know !! Anbody feel free to answer!! Many thanks...
Asked by Georgina e - Wed Mar 5 14:33:09 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. 1. Do not kill 2. Do not steal 3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct 4. Do not make false speech 5. Do not take intoxicants Do not Kill One must not deliberately kill any living creatures, either by committing the act oneself, instructing others to kill, or approving of or participating in act of killing. It is a respect to others' lives. One should not deprive others (animals not excluded) of the right to live. If one is hurt or killed, one's family, relatives, friends will suffer. It is the cause of rebirth in Three Evil Paths. The effect of killing to the performer are brevity of life, ill health, handicapped and fear. In observing the first precept, one tries to protect life whenever possible. Furthermore, one cultivates… [cont.]
Answered by tietzedet - Wed Mar 5 22:41:28 2008

A question for those who meditate and/or follow Buddhist or Taoist precepts...?
Q. Do you agree that many times upon awakening the spirit of the human such abilities as 'psychic' or 'clairvoyant' traits become apparent? "According to many Taoist- and Buddhist-related practices, abilities such as clairvoyance and many other 'supernormal' abilities are by-products of spiritual awakening and the realisation of divine consciousness. Integral to spiritual and mind expansion is breathwork and meditation. By expanding lung capacity and learning to use the lungs as a 'bellows' to direct qi (Chinese: qi, meaning "air") around the body and open the subtle energy channels we also naturally expand the mind and refine consciousness. This is how these seemingly miraculous powers develop, though they are not truly miraculous. They… [cont.]
Asked by .::rainbow armadillo::. - Mon Jul 14 11:11:23 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes it is absolutely true.It is the awakening of the 'Kundalini Shakti" (India), Serpentine Power (English) that the miraculous powers develop.This has been recognised by western thinkers like Gunther, Madam Blavatsky,etc.The location of this is in the lowest part of the spine inside the 'Mooladhar' Chakra (India), Pelvic Plexus (English).
Answered by Yogiraj Ramanandtirth - Mon Jul 14 11:51:45 2008

Exactly what ancient Buddhist text are the five(?) precepts located?
Q. Exactly what ancient Buddhist text are the five(?) precepts located?
Asked by The Man - Mon Mar 26 19:41:02 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A.
Answered by ZER0 C00L AM VT - Mon Mar 26 19:44:39 2007

Question About the fifth Buddhist precept (to abstain from drink/drugs)?
Q. It seems as though this rule says to not drink any alcohol. But i think that in small amounts, alcohol does not make you heedless. So could a buddhist have a small amount of alcohol, if they would not become heedless/reckless? The reason i ask is that i try to live a buddhist lifestyle (note: i do not say i am a buddhist, as they're completely different) but i do drink. If i drink alcohol, but in moderation, and i don't become intoxicated, would i still violate the 5th precept?
Asked by life_in_ink - Tue Jun 10 19:34:08 2008 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Good grief! Go have a beer! This is a perfect example of how people bind themselves with useless piety and asceticism, especially under the auspices of Buddhism. It's patently ridiculous. This sort of thinking encourages dualism and is based on aversion; you know, aversion and attraction, the things that bind us to samsara? It's not about "beer" -- its about your attachment to it -- or in this case, your aversion to it. I'm a Bonpo, so I already thumb my nose at the pious garbage that Buddhists have piled on top of the Dharma. In Tibet, they brew 'chang,' a beer-like beverage that is considered to be part of the diet and part of Tibetan medicine. We have an account (in "Heartdrops of Dharmakaya") of a Bon student of Shardza who… [cont.]
Answered by dorje gonpo - Wed Jun 11 10:22:25 2008

What are the different types of Buddhist and how do you determine which you are?
Q. I am trying to figure out which category I would fall under once I actually take my Refuge Vows so I can better focus my practice, but I need to know how to differentiate between the different ones ... so far I plan on following the Noble Eightfold Path, accept the Four Noble Truths and the Five Precepts. Can someone give me some information and sources with information on the different kinds?
Asked by Christine - Thu Jul 2 15:56:44 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I determined my "type" of Buddhism by studying with a variety of teachers and traditions. Before I settled into the Zen tradition, I trained with teachers in the Vajrayana and Theravada traditions. I never fully connected with these teachers/teachings, but once I encountered a keen-eyed Zen teacher, I was home. Buddhanet has a good overview of the various Buddhist traditions: Also, "Buddhism for Dummies," despite its title has a very good description of the various traditions: https://www.amazon.com/dp /0764553593?tag=oxher-20& camp=0&creative=0&linkCod e=as4&creativeASIN=076455 3593&adid=17F5XR90DQ2XXD0 9PKNY& Best wishes on your path!
Answered by P'ang - Thu Jul 2 16:15:52 2009

What are Buddhist attitudes towards abortion? Is it contrary to ahimsa?
Q. Does it bring bad karma? Is it contrary to the Eightfold Path and the 5 Precepts (especially about killing)?
Asked by James O - Thu Jan 22 20:18:17 2009 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. nothing is fixed, but generally speaking, it is your karma and causal conditions that put you into such a situation. Your actions from the past have brought you such circumstances. And the tragic truth about life is that not every situation has an easy choice between a golden option and a dud. Not all actions and causes lead to such an easy decision between gold or dud. In other words, because of past causes/actions/karma, you are stuck with a choice that results in karmic offenses either way. Encountering such a situation is pretty deep in karmic retribution already. So with abortion, it is killing. You may have owed a debt in which you are supposed to have this child and care for it. But by killing it, you destroyed another person's… [cont.]
Answered by Greg L - Fri Jan 23 04:32:18 2009

what are the 10 buddhists precepts?
Q. what are the 10 buddhists precepts?
Asked by Ryan efc - Sun Oct 19 06:41:37 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The actual wording of the 10 precepts varies somewhat from tradition to tradition, but the meaning remains the same. In my tradition (Korean Zen), the precepts are stated as follows: I vow to abstain from taking life. I vow to abstain from taking things not given. I vow to abstain from misconduct done in lust. I vow to abstain from lying. I vow to abstain from intoxicants, taken to induce heedlessness. I vow not to talk about the faults of others. I vow not to praise myself and put down others. I vow not to be covetous and to be generous. I vow not to give way to anger and to be harmonious. I vow not to slander the three jewels (Buddha, dharma, sangha) In many traditions, a student first takes the five precepts (the first five of this… [cont.]
Answered by P'ang - Sun Oct 19 15:17:22 2008

Buddhist precept?
Q. 7. I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics. Where it says "music" does that mean you arent allowed to PLAY music or LISTEN to music? Or both? Thanks! Thanks for the answers! ( i wasnt actually intending on taking up this precept i was just wondering about it)
Asked by Chris - Thu Jan 25 22:34:03 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. These set of precepts are for usually devotees who are a tad more serious than some of us so -called everyday buddhists. So the precepts are there to minimise distractions. That particular precept deals with "attachment" to the sensual comforts. If one is able to "enjoy" music without being attached to it, then there is no breaking of precept. Attachment meaning cannot do without eg. like coffee, cigarettes etc. ( Notice how some of us just cannot drive from A - B without the radio or cd player on? ) So it includes Playing AND intentionally Listening to music/songs... I dont think it counts if you pass by a Hi-Fi store and they are blasting out songs by Madonna - problem with most of us ( me at least ), music can also invoke many… [cont.]
Answered by Tiara - Thu Jan 25 22:55:05 2007

What is the moral of the story?
Q. Have you ever read the 10 buddhists precepts, the ten commandments, the Islamic commandments, or the Hindu principles and commandments? The big four as I call them; Islam, Christianity, Hindu and Buddhists all preach the same thing in one form or another. These are basic morals to live by throughout your life. What are the common themes in the big four? Don't lie, don't be a sexual deviant, don't kill, don't put intoxicants in your body and then of course a qualifier to keep followers don't worship other gods.
Asked by booboo - Sun Oct 18 00:55:42 2009 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Ok, lying is bad and so is killing, but they're wrong on the other points.
Answered by Spyro, Destroyer of Sheep - Sun Oct 18 00:59:08 2009

How come the Buddhist countries/people are non-vegetarian?
Q. The first precept of Buddhism is to refrain from violence and protect all life. The Buddha said, "Life is dear to all beings. They have the right to live the same as we do." We should respect all life and not kill anything. Killing ants and mosquitoes is also breaking this precept. We should have an attitude of loving-kindness towards all beings, wishing them to be happy and free from harm. Taking care of the earth, its rivers and air is included.
Asked by Bob R - Mon Jun 30 00:36:06 2008 - - 11 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Violence has nothing to do with hunting, or eating, meat. The American Indians, and many other civilizations through out time, have hunted as a necessary mean for survival. The Indians prayed and made use of the entire inedible parts of the pray. Nothing could be further from violence. Also, animals who hunt for their meals are not violent. There is no malice. Its part of what they are. This issue of "violence" is very often misinterpreted. HELP! I've been violently attacked by Randy's Inquisition. That's OK. He has his opinion, and I have mine. I won't bite back. Peace
Answered by Teaim - Tue Jul 1 18:33:14 2008

Dear Kind Christians, would a Buddhist go to Hell.?
Q. Some may not believe in God but they can if they want. A majority of Buddhist's have at least five to eight precepts which if followed by that person and people around them ends that person's suffering. Can a really kind person go to Hell just because they don't believe in God? That would not seem fair so if the Day of Judgement came how could a really good Buddhist like the Dalia Lama go to Hell? If any ones going to be nasty don't reply, Thanks Lyndsey
Asked by Lyndsey - Tue Aug 18 15:22:59 2009 - - 24 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Don't worry, there is no hell for honorable person like Buddha to go to.
Answered by GreenKitteh: Green Christmas! - Tue Aug 18 15:26:17 2009

Is it possible for something to be wise and wrong or unwise and right?
Q. Somone said that the Buddha said you would be wise to follow the five precepts and that he didnt say that you should. The five precepts of Buddhist ethics. Some people translate the 8fold path as right thinking, right view etc but others have translated it as wise thinking and wise view, etc.
Asked by David Goble - Fri Jun 11 14:24:13 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Of course it's possible. Wisdom does not guarantee rightness, and vice versa. Being wise has a broader connotation of being rational, being able to shift through unnecessary information and come to a reasonable conclusion. I think that the translation of the Buddha that likens it closer to wisdom is a better fit for the English language.
Answered by Stephen Thompson - Fri Jun 11 14:39:19 2010

Can Buddhist have tattoo's?
Q. I was looking to become a buddhist? I have only two tattoo's. I don't see it as a problem since it is not listed as one of the 5 Precepts.Can a buddhist please clear this up for me.Thank you:)
Asked by Ayla - Wed Feb 6 21:15:19 2008 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I have 11, and I'm a Buddhist...go to www.dharmapunx.com, Noah Levine has all SORTS of tattoos Try this:
Answered by Skalite - Wed Feb 6 21:18:45 2008

Following the 14 precepts?
Q. Here are the 14 precepts of the Buddhist belief. 1. Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth. 2. Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice nonattachment from views in order to be open to receive others' viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times. 3. Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority,… [cont.]
Asked by Kara - Tue Jul 14 19:53:55 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Actually those 14 precepts are from the Vietnamese Ti p Hi n movement/order. Lay Buddhists have five or eight precepts. While novice monks have 10 and full monks have 227 rules. (wiki is a pretty good starting point if you want to know more ). And I will try to write more about my personal experience tomorrow. Way to tired now. EDIT: Actually, after some thought I have decided that this probably is not the right forum to debate such issues. It is a good initiative, but each of these precepts/points of advice really deserves pages and pages of elaboration, and I don t feel that this format is well suited for it. There are several Buddhist sites where I am sure that you would get better and more exhaustive answers for this type of… [cont.]
Answered by Daniel - Tue Jul 14 20:23:40 2009

Why would it be difficult for a buddhist to live in the west?
Q. Why would it be difficult for a buddhist to live in the west? using the 5 precepts : 1. no stealing 2. no alcohol 3. no sexual activity 4. no unkindely words 5. no harming living things. Why would these 5 things make it difficult for a buddhist to live in the west? can someone just help?
Asked by mariella - Sun Mar 14 05:34:44 2010 - - 11 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Good morning, Sophiee :) Maybe it's because the ego is so well developed and fostered in Western cultures. We are a society of "gimme" "Gimme what I want now" a society of desire and instant gratification. We wallow in greed and that is one of the Three Poisons. Just look at the current economic difficulty we see in our culture today and it is all based on greed: greed of the CEOs, the institution executives, and those who overextended themselves by desire and greed seeking the supposed "good life". Maybe we have learned a hard lesson. The Buddha knew that living a virtuous and moral life would never be easy, would always be difficult, but would never be impossible. May all be at peace. John
Answered by John P (I'm only a bug) - Sun Mar 14 07:14:59 2010

Buddhists: do you follow all the precepts?
Q. This is a friendly question. True Buddhists advocate peace and compassion for all, and I am not making a disrespectful statement about your beliefs with this question. I promise. According to what I am reading, you aren't following the precepts if you: defend yourself against violence with violence; wear perfume; watch television; go dancing; listen to music; accept a gift of gold or silver (jewelry). I read about the precepts on this page: Is this correct, or have I been misinformed? Thanks.
Asked by longview cycle lady - Sat Sep 22 16:29:50 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There are five precepts that lay Buddhists follow. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from the destruction of life. 2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from taking that which is not given. 3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct. 4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from falsehood. 5. Suramerayamajjapamadattha na veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami: I observe the precept of abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind and cause carelessness. I do my best to follow them all. The other ones you mention such as not wearing… [cont.]
Answered by Pangloss (L'Union Fait La Fo - Sat Sep 22 16:38:35 2007

What are the fundamental flaws in the main precepts of Buddhism?
Q. Just out of curiosity, can anyone tell me / give me a link as to what logical flaws are present in the Buddhist's teachings? teachings precepts, anything to do with the fundamental religion
Asked by Moodrets - Tue Jun 26 21:28:58 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Are you talking about teaching or precepts? Buddhism will be flawed when you view it in Christianity light. For example : In Buddhism, there is no one to take your blame There is no one with wrongdoing, neither is there anyone without wrongdoing. There is no eternal heaven There is no god to pray
Answered by Ninja Turtle Regress 2 BB Jesus - Tue Jun 26 21:32:03 2007