Higher RMPS Buddhism - 5 precepts (impact 20 marker)

General KU

The 5 precepts are a part of the noble eightfold path, which guides Buddhists as to how they should live their lives. The 5 precepts say Buddhists should not take a life, take what is not theirs, misuse the sense, use wrong speech or use intoxicants which cloud the mind. Both Monks and Laity Buddhists follow these. The Buddha said "Now, there are these five gifts, five great gifts." There are another 5 rules which only monks follow. These include not accepting silver or gold and not sleeping on a high bed.

1st precept KU

The first precept states that Buddhists should not take a life, meaning they should not kill anything, whether human or otherwise.

1st precept analysis

One consequence of following this precept is that many Buddhists are vegetarian and Monks will brush the ground they walk on to avoid stepping on insects. This precept links to Kamma because by not ending any lives, Buddhists can gain positive Kamma. As a consequence, this will give them a better rebirth as your Kamma decides which realm you live in.

1st precept Evaluation

On one hand, I believe this could have a positive impact on Buddhists because if they rebirth into the human realm then they have the opportunity to reach enlightenment as this is the only realm this is possible in. On the other, this precept could also have a negative impact on Buddhists because they may feel that they are not allowed to hurt another person in self defence, even if they are being attacked. However, the precepts are not rules but rather guidelines so they do have exceptions and therefore Buddhists may still be allowed to take a life if it is for a good reason.

2nd precept KU

The second precept states that Buddhists should not take what is not theirs. An example of this is that they cannot steal or waste others time.

2nd precept analysis

One consequence of following this precept is that they cannot buy fast fashion because even though it is legal, it still exploits workers. This links to the three root poisons because stealing can be caused by greed. As a consequence, they would gain unskillful action and negative Kamma, which would keep them stuck in the wheel of Samsara.

2nd precept evaluation

I believe that this has a negative impact on Buddhists because they might feel like they can't even steal food if they can't afford to feed their family. However, it could also have a positive impact on Buddhists because by not stealing and feeding into Tanha they can learn the importance of living in a minimalistic way, which can help them to reach enlightenment.

3rd precept KU

The third precept is to refrain from misusing the the senses. An example of this is not committing adultery. The Buddha states "the pleasures diminish, he's shattered, as if shot with his own arrow." This implies that as the things that make you happy lessen, you should still remain a good, moral person. This decreases greed and increases compassion.

3rd precept analysis

As a consequence, Monks and Nuns are celibate to avoid any temptation. This links to Tanha because by avoiding this temptation they do not crave to please the senses as much.

3rd precept evaluation

I believe this can have a positive impact on Buddhists because by eliminating craving, they can focus more intently on reaching enlightenment. However, it could also have a negative impact on them because they might feel like they're missing out on important life experiences, causing even more craving.

4th precept KU

The fourth precept states that Buddhists should refrain from using wrong speech. This means they should use their words only for meaningful purposes. For example, they should not gossip or lie.

4th precept analysis

One consequence of this is that some Buddhists choose to forgo needless chatter all together. This links to meditation because Metta meditation is all about loving kindness and by not gossiping about others they spread more love. As a consequence, this would lead to a better society because everyone would choose to avoid speaking ill of others which would result in people generally being happier since nobody would spread rumours or lies anymore.

4th precept evaluation

I would argue that this would have a positive impact on Buddhists because by not wasting their energy with pointless chatter they can focus on their meditation which is essential to reaching Nibanna and they would think more positively of others.

5th precept KU

The fifth precept is to refrain from clouding the mind with drugs and alcohol. For example, not getting drunk on a night out.

5th precept analysis

One consequence of this is that some Buddhists will take this so far as to avoid meditations like paracetamol as it still dulls the senses to some extent. This links to the noble eightfold path because the purpose of avoiding intoxicants is to ensure nothing prevents the Buddhist from successfully completing these 8 steps without their mind being clouded. As a consequence, they can put more effort into important things like helping others.

5th precept evaluation

I would argue that this has a negative impact on them because alcohol consumption is so normalised in our society that they might struggle to avoid it and it could make them feel left out.