Significance of Moral precept
Moral precept in Buddhism encompasses ethical guidelines and rules that promote virtuous behavior and spiritual discipline among practitioners. These precepts, adhered to by various individuals across different Buddhist traditions, serve as a foundation for ethical conduct and are essential for spiritual development. The teachings emphasize conduct regarding abstaining from harm, lying, stealing, and other negative actions. Observing these moral precepts is crucial as they influence the integrity of one’s practice and contribute to positive rebirths and spiritual progress.
Synonyms: Ethical principle, Ethical standard, Moral rule, Principle, Ethical rule, Guideline, Norm, Standard, Tenet
In Dutch: Moreel voorschrift; In Finnish: Moraalinen ohje; In Spanish: Precepto moral; In German: Moralische Vorschrift; In Malay: Ajaran moral; In Swedish: Moralisk föreskrift; In French: Précepte moral; In Polish: Zasada moralna; In Portugese: Preceito 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'
The Moral precept in Buddhism encompasses ethical guidelines designed to promote virtuous living, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate spiritual development, as outlined by the Buddha, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in achieving liberation and mental clarity.
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) Moral precepts are rules or guidelines for ethical conduct, and the group of moral precepts other than the said Ajivatthamaka-sila is classified as Abhisamacarika-sila, precepts which promote good conduct.[6] (2) Ethical guidelines that Queen Siri Mahamaya adhered to diligently, emphasizing her purity and virtue as the Bodhisatta's mother.[7] (3) Guidelines established by the Buddhas that dictate ethical conduct, emphasized in the teaching of Ovada Patimokkha.[8] (4) Guidelines that lead to liberation from cravings and support the practice of mindfulness and concentration.[9] (5) Ethical instructions (sila) that guide individuals towards liberation from craving and contribute to their spiritual development.[10]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) These are mentioned in the context of the Western Bhikkhus, who take up the moral precepts and bhavana with hardships and deficiencies, according to the provided text.[11] (2) These are guidelines for proper behavior, often given by the Bhikkhus, which the Kammatthana Bhikkhus might deliver while making mistakes in other areas, like holding a fan.[12] (3) Moral precepts is a phrase describing the Upasaka's adherence to a set of rules and principles, which he maintained during his practice.[13] (4) The five principles, including not killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication, which Venerable Acharn Kow taught the elephant to follow.[14] (5) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that inform moral conduct and practice, known as sila.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Ethical guidelines or rules that practitioners follow to cultivate virtue and purify their lives according to Buddhist teachings.[16] (2) Guidelines for ethical behavior that Mahakala adhered to, known as uposatha sila.[17] (3) Ethical guidelines in Buddhism that, while significant, are discussed in relation to mental faith and its consequences.[18]
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.[19] (2) Guidelines or rules designed to promote ethical behavior and prevent wrongful actions.[20] (3) Moral precepts, or sila, are ethical guidelines that one is mindful to observe in order to avoid breaching any ethical commitments.[21]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) It is one of the actions that ordinary worldlings should give more prominence to, however it must be borne in mind that alms giving and wrong views must not be mixed.[22] (2) Moral Precepts, also known as Sila, are kept with the intention of attaining higher planes of existence and are a form of Kusala, or wholesome action.[23]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) The ethical guidelines and commandments that practitioners of Buddhism undertake to adhere to, crucial for spiritual development.[24]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Observing moral precepts is highlighted as one of the meritorious acts leading to good rebirths.[25]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A collection of ethical guidelines conveyed in dhammapada, guiding individuals towards virtuous living.[26]
From: Cetasikas
(1) These are guidelines for conduct, which are the foundation of wholesome behavior, which laypeople can undertake to abstain from unwholesome deeds and cultivate wholesomeness.[27]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The moral precepts are called sila. The disciples do many evil things, and yet I do not call it violating sila.[28] (2) Moral precepts are guidelines for ethical conduct, aiming to cultivate virtue, prevent harm, and promote well-being, forming the foundation for spiritual development.[29] (3) Upholding them, making effort, and undergoing pain will crush out the original karma.[30] (4) The upasakas upheld well the untainted ones of these and prized Mahayana.[31] (5) If any of my disciples uphold, recite, copy and speak about the Great Nirvana Sutra and violate the these, people will reproach them.[32]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The second paramita practiced by Bodhisattvas, referring to the rules of moral conduct that Buddhist disciples follow.[33] (2) The ethical guidelines established by the Buddha that are essential for proper conduct and spiritual development.[34] (3) The ethical guidelines set forth by the Buddha that are often broken by those misled by the demon's influence.[35] (4) Guidelines in Buddhism that dictate ethical behavior, which the followers break under the demon's influence.[36] (5) Guidelines established by the Buddha to maintain ethical conduct, which can be broken under the delusion created by demons.[37]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ethical guidelines provided by the Buddha, which exemplify the discipline necessary for followers.[38] (2) Ethical guidelines or rules that govern the conduct of an individual, often emphasized in Buddhist teachings.[39]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The text mentions how beneficial the moral precepts proclaimed by the Tathagata are.[40] (2) These are what have always been observed under the rule of the Knower of the world, resulting in the fruit of that morality.[41]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Rules that are adhered to by the saints, which the laypersons are encouraged to follow.[42]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A principle or guideline for ethical behavior, contributing to the accumulation of merit and positive development.[43] (2) The second perfection seen by the speaker, done preliminarily by previous Buddhas.[44] (3) The perfection in moral precept, which the Bodhisat fulfilled without limit, is evident in certain birth stories.[45] (4) This phrase refers to the rules of conduct, the brahmin kept moral precepts and was reborn in heaven.[46] (5) Guidelines in Buddhist practice that promote ethical behavior and spiritual discipline.[47]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Ethical guidelines that govern behavior within Buddhist practice, crucial for maintaining a path of righteousness.[48] (2) Ethical guidelines encompassed within the Doctrine which monks are expected to uphold to ensure the integrity of their practice.[49] (3) Ethical guidelines that the Dharmasvamin and his disciples strictly followed.[50] (4) The ethical guidelines followed by Master spyan snga, which reflect the fundamental principles of Buddhism and monastic life.[51]
Hindu concept of 'Moral precept'
In Hinduism, moral precepts encompass ethical principles like love and kindness, paralleling teachings from figures such as Christ and Buddha, guiding individuals toward righteous behavior and harmony within themselves and society.
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The text says that all other 'moral precepts' have come into existence as a result of the selfish fear in the same way as this law of Harmlessness.[52] (2) Ethical principles or guidelines for behavior, such as love and kindness, found in the teachings of Christ and Buddha.[53]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Srikrishna's life teems with lofty moral precepts that continue to shed lustre upon the greatness of the forefathers, influencing millions in India and attracting admiration from people in the West.[54]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The Markandeya Purana deals little in moral precepts, focusing more on narrative and legends.[55]
The concept of Moral precept in local and regional sources
Moral precept serves as ethical guidelines that dictate a king's conduct towards his subjects and administration, ensuring just governance and promoting responsibility in leadership to maintain trust and harmony within the realm.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Guidelines based on ethical conduct that govern a king's behavior towards his subjects and his administration.[56]
The concept of Moral precept in scientific sources
Moral precept, in this context, relates to the Bodhisattva's role in establishing a king's adherence to the five Silas.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Rules or guidelines that are considered to be morally binding, providing a framework for ethical behavior and decision-making, and influencing actions in accordance with accepted principles and values.[57] (2) Buddhist bioethical discussions center around the conflict between the moral precept of not taking life, the ethical implications of doctrines, and the practice of compassion.[58] (3) Moral precepts need not be fulfilled, according to the text, and if Chan practitioners always do the prajna practice simply to retain the self-nature’s awakened state, that would be considered the “morality of self-nature”.[59] (4) Describes the guiding principles and rules of conduct that are derived from ethical and religious traditions, influencing individual behavior.[60] (5) Precepts described in the Quran that encourage Muslims to be beneficent, but also to seek knowledge prior to making practical decisions.[61]
Classical concept of 'Moral precept'
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) Moral precepts are guidelines for ethical behavior, as found in the "Maxims of Ani," intended to guide one's course of life.[62]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) The oldest Egyptian book of Moral Precepts, also known as Maxims or Admonitions, comes from Ptah-hetep, who was the governor of Memphis and a high confidential advisor.[63]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) The just, upright, and straight man is maat and in a book of moral precepts it is said, 'God will judge the right (maa)'.[64]