Dhamma for Everyone

by Ajaan Lee | 1960 | 2,274 words

A talk about 6 guidelines for both monks and lay people. 1. not disparaging 2. not injuring 3. restraint in line with the Patimokkha 4. moderation in food 5. dwelling in seclusion 6. commitment to the heightened mind: this is the Buddhas instruction. October 5, 1960 by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo (Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacariya) Translated ...

Introduction

Now Im going to remind you of some of the Buddhas teachings as a way of encouraging you to be intent on practicing correctly in line with the Buddhas instructions. These teachings are called Dhamma. The Dhamma is an ornament for the mind. Its also a means for developing the faculties of the mind. The teachings Im about to discuss come in the Ovada Patimokkha, the Patimokkha Exhortation. This is a talk that deals with the duties of those who have ordained in line with the Buddhas instructions, but these practices also apply to lay people as well. Lay people can take these practices and train themselves to be good people, so that they can be eyes and ears, legs, feet, and hands, to help look after the work of the religion and to help it prosper.

These guidelines, which apply to all of us, fall under six headings:

  1. anupavado:
    not disparaging
  2. anupaghato:
    not injuring
  3. patimokkhe ca samvaro:
    restraint in line with the Patimokkha
  4. mattannuta ca bhattasmim:
    moderation in food
  5. pantanca sayanasanam:
    dwelling in seclusion
  6. adhicitte ca ayogo: etam buddhana sasanam:
    commitment to the heightened mind: this is the Buddhas instruction.
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