Buddhism-The Path That Leads To Enlightenment

By Staff

Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 13:18

To live a decent life and progress towards deliverance, one should observe the five moral precepts known as Panca-Sila:

1.Panatipata Veramani Sikkhapadam. Samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from killing living beings.

2.Adinnadana Veramani Sikkhapadam Sumadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given.

3. Kamesu Micchacara Veramani Sikkhapadam-Samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precepts to abstain from sexual misconduct.

4. Musavada Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech.

5. Sura meruya-majjapama datthana veramani Sikkapadam Samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness.

He who strictly observe these five disciplines will obtain the 'First Silence' in the path of deliverance.

The four noble truths

1.First we should understand Dukkha (Sufferings)

2. Then Dukkha Samudaya ('The origin of sufferings)

3. Then Dukkha nirodha ('The extinction of sufferings)

4. Then Dukkha nirodha gamini patipada (the path by which sufferings can be extinguished)

We see, we hear and we enjoy Dukkha (suffering from our Birth to Death), the happiness and the joy ends only in Dukkha. By our own experiences and arguments, find that these sorrows. sufferings and unhappiness originate from our own desires, cravings, attachments and wanting. We understand by ceasing these desires and attachments, we gain solace. So we should know by which way of living we can come out of the sufferings including Birth and Death.

Tathagata - one who has attained the highest says - He who gets equipped with sila, samadhi. panna and practice with intense sraddha and developed the true knowledge to get rid of all kinds of desires and attachments will surely, without any doubt come out of their clutches and have everlasting peace and second state of silence.

Not in the air nor ocean midst

Nor hidden in the mountain clefts

Nowhere is found a place on earth

Where man is freed from evil deeds.

(Dhammapada)

To Be Continued

About the author

This article by M.Ram Mohan is published in the Vedanta Vani of Chinmaya Mission.