Significance of Moral precept
Moral precept in Buddhism encapsulates a set of ethical guidelines crucial for practitioners’ spiritual development and virtuous conduct. These precepts are observed across various Buddhist traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism, and encompass principles such as refraining from killing, stealing, and lying. They provide a foundation for ethical behavior, helping individuals navigate their moral choices while promoting spiritual growth and purity. The consistent emphasis on moral precepts illustrates their fundamental role in guiding Buddhist disciples towards righteousness and integrity.
Synonyms: Ethical principle, Ethical standard, Code of conduct, Virtue
In Dutch: Moreel voorschrift; In Finnish: Moraalinen ohje; In Spanish: Precepto moral
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Moral precept'
Moral precepts in Buddhism are ethical guidelines established by the Buddha to govern behavior, encouraging virtuous actions. Breaking these leads to moral decay, while adherence fosters spiritual development, integrity, and mindfulness among practitioners.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Guidelines or rules that govern ethical conduct and behavior in a spiritual context.[1] (2) Rules intended to guide one's moral conduct, central to Buddhist practice.[2] (3) Guidelines and rules of ethical conduct that individuals are expected to follow, as exemplified by the woman keeping the fast.[3] (4) Guidelines for ethical conduct that the hare encouraged his friends to observe, highlighting Buddhist moral teachings.[4] (5) Guidelines for ethical conduct that lead to spiritual progression and immortality.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Ethical guidelines that Queen Siri Mahamaya adhered to diligently, emphasizing her purity and virtue as the Bodhisatta's mother.[6] (2) Guidelines established by the Buddhas that dictate ethical conduct, emphasized in the teaching of Ovada Patimokkha.[7] (3) Guidelines that lead to liberation from cravings and support the practice of mindfulness and concentration.[8] (4) Ethical instructions (sila) that guide individuals towards liberation from craving and contribute to their spiritual development.[9] (5) Five guidelines prescribed by the Buddha regarding refraining from killing, stealing, unlawful sexual conduct, lying, and taking intoxicants.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Ethical guidelines or rules that practitioners follow to cultivate virtue and purify their lives according to Buddhist teachings.[11] (2) Guidelines for ethical behavior that Mahakala adhered to, known as uposatha sila.[12] (3) Ethical guidelines in Buddhism that, while significant, are discussed in relation to mental faith and its consequences.[13]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Moral precepts are ethical guidelines that individuals observe to ensure the integrity of their actions, important for fostering wholesome deeds.[14] (2) Guidelines or rules designed to promote ethical behavior and prevent wrongful actions.[15] (3) Moral precepts, or sila, are ethical guidelines that one is mindful to observe in order to avoid breaching any ethical commitments.[16]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The ethical guidelines and commandments that practitioners of Buddhism undertake to adhere to, crucial for spiritual development.[17]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Observing moral precepts is highlighted as one of the meritorious acts leading to good rebirths.[18]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A collection of ethical guidelines conveyed in dhammapada, guiding individuals towards virtuous living.[19]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Guidelines for ethical conduct that help foster a life of virtue, creating a basis for positive kamma and reducing suffering.[20]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The ethical guidelines established by the Buddha that are essential for proper conduct and spiritual development.[21] (2) The ethical guidelines set forth by the Buddha that are often broken by those misled by the demon's influence.[22] (3) Guidelines in Buddhism that dictate ethical behavior, which the followers break under the demon's influence.[23] (4) Guidelines established by the Buddha to maintain ethical conduct, which can be broken under the delusion created by demons.[24] (5) Guidelines set forth by Buddha that outline ethical conduct; breaking these precepts results in moral decay and confusion.[25]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Guidelines for ethical conduct that help to cultivate virtue and prevent harm to oneself and others.[26] (2) Guidelines set by the Buddha that the bhiksus should follow; they are encouraged to ask questions if in doubt regarding these precepts.[27] (3) Guidelines or rules followed in Buddhism that encourage ethical and virtuous behavior, serving as a foundation for spiritual practice.[28] (4) Ethical guidelines that practitioners follow to cultivate virtue and avoid negative actions.[29]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ethical guidelines provided by the Buddha, which exemplify the discipline necessary for followers.[30] (2) Ethical guidelines or rules that govern the conduct of an individual, often emphasized in Buddhist teachings.[31]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Rules that are adhered to by the saints, which the laypersons are encouraged to follow.[32]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Guidelines or principles that Mahayana Buddhists prioritize for self-realization and service to all sentient beings.[33]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Guidelines in Buddhist practice that promote ethical behavior and spiritual discipline.[34] (2) Guidelines and ethical principles that Cunda and other disciples adhered to, emphasizing virtue and ethical behavior.[35] (3) Guidelines or rules for ethical conduct that are significant in spiritual practices.[36] (4) Basic ethical guidelines that the thera followed, which include the five kinds of discipline.[37] (5) Guidelines for ethical conduct that Nanda sought after as a follower of the Buddha.[38]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Ethical guidelines that govern behavior within Buddhist practice, crucial for maintaining a path of righteousness.[39] (2) Ethical guidelines encompassed within the Doctrine which monks are expected to uphold to ensure the integrity of their practice.[40] (3) Ethical guidelines that the Dharmasvamin and his disciples strictly followed.[41] (4) The ethical guidelines followed by Master spyan snga, which reflect the fundamental principles of Buddhism and monastic life.[42]
Hindu concept of 'Moral precept'
Moral precept in Hinduism encompasses ethical principles promoting love and kindness, similar to teachings of Christ and Buddha, guiding individuals towards righteous behavior and harmonious living within the broader context of spiritual and social values.
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Ethical principles or guidelines for behavior, such as love and kindness, found in the teachings of Christ and Buddha.[43]
The concept of Moral precept in local and regional sources
Moral precepts serve as ethical guidelines for a king's conduct towards subjects and governance, ensuring responsible leadership while fostering a just administrative environment aligned with societal values and expectations.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Guidelines based on ethical conduct that govern a king's behavior towards his subjects and his administration.[44]