Significance of Precept
Synonyms: Principle, Rule, Doctrine, Tenet, Instruction, Law, Teaching
In Dutch: Voorschrift; In Finnish: Ohje
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Precept'
In Buddhism, Precept signifies moral guidelines that govern ethical behavior for monastics and practitioners. Adhering to these rules fosters spiritual development, while violations lead to offenses, highlighting their importance in maintaining purity and virtue in practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Rules or guidelines that govern the ethical conduct of monastics; breaking them is a significant issue discussed in the text.[1] (2) Guidelines or ethical commands that one follows as part of the Buddhist practice.[2] (3) Guiding rules or ethical commandments that practitioners are encouraged to follow in cultivating discipline.[3] (4) Moral guidelines and ethical rules in Buddhism that the Bodhisattva adhered to and exemplified through sacrifice.[4] (5) Ethical guidelines that a bhikshu pledges to observe throughout their life, signaling dedication to spiritual advancement.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Moral guidelines that the Bodhisattva observes, essential for maintaining purity in actions and thoughts.[6] (2) Moral codes or commandments that the Bodhisattva-mahasattva vows to uphold.[7] (3) Moral codes and regulations that guide Buddhist practice, helping practitioners cultivate virtue.[8] (4) Moral and ethical rules that govern the conduct of Buddhist practitioners.[9] (5) Moral guidelines that practitioners of Buddhism follow to maintain ethical conduct and promote good deeds.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Guidelines in Buddhism that define moral conduct and ethical behavior an adherent should follow.[11] (2) The commandments in Buddhism that guide behavior; breaking them incurs offenses, which can be purified through recitation of the Shurangama Mantra.[12] (3) The moral guidelines established by the Buddha that practitioners, such as bhikshus and bhikshunis, are encouraged to uphold.[13] (4) Moral guidelines that practitioners must uphold to maintain their spiritual path; violating them leads to unwanted karmic consequences.[14] (5) Moral codes or rules outlined in Buddhism that guide behavior and ethical conduct, critical for maintaining purity in practice.[15]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Moral guidelines in Buddhism meant to govern behavior and prevent harmful actions, forming the fundamental basis for ethical conduct.[16]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The ethical guidelines and rules that Bhikkhus and practitioners are expected to follow.[17] (2) Guidelines established for the Bhikkhus, some were discussed regarding their potential revocation after the Buddha's passing.[18] (3) The ethical guidelines that Bhikkhus are expected to follow, which if abandoned or violated can affect their standing.[19]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Moral guidelines or rules of conduct that followers of the Buddha adhere to.[20] (2) The moral guidelines that the king vows to uphold after recognizing the negative effects of drinking strong drink.[21]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Moral guidelines that individuals observe to ensure their actions are aligned with good practices and ethical behavior.[22] (2) Guidelines or rules followed by practitioners to maintain moral behavior, akin to the safeguards against intruding harmful elements in farming.[23]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Known as sikkha-pada, these are ethical guidelines that govern a practitioner's conduct.[24]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Moral guidelines that Devas find challenging to adhere to while in the pleasure-laden Deva loka.[25]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Rules of ethical conduct that guide the behavior of practitioners to maintain moral integrity.[26]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Morality codes within Buddhism emphasized by the Buddha when preaching to Kutadanta, fostering ethical living.[27]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Fundamental ethical principles that govern the behavior of Bhikkhus, Bhikkhunis, samaneras, and samaneris.[28]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Guidelines or rules of conduct that are essential to living a virtuous life according to Buddhist teachings.[29]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Guidelines or rules that encompass the teachings of the Kalacakra and are followed by practitioners.[30] (2) The moral and ethical guidelines of practice he obtained during his studies.[31] (3) Ethical guidelines and moral codes followed by practitioners within the Samvara practices to ensure correct conduct.[32] (4) A set of guiding principles or teachings imparted by the teacher to the student.[33] (5) Rules or guidelines that The Venerable gling obtained which were said to have greatly benefited him, indicating their importance in his spiritual life.[34]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Moral guidelines and rules of conduct that practitioners of Buddhism observe in their daily lives.[35]
Hindu concept of 'Precept'
In Hinduism, Precept signifies guiding principles or rules that govern actions and thoughts, focusing on the teachings about the soul's essence and its journey through various life experiences.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A principle or rule that directs actions and thoughts, related to the teachings about the soul's nature and experiences in life.[36]
The concept of Precept in local and regional sources
Precept embodies guiding principles and moral instructions that saints adhered to, serving as essential frameworks for ethical behavior and spiritual growth, influencing their actions and decisions throughout their lives.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Guiding principles or moral instructions that saints followed in their lives.[37]