Understanding Vinaya: The Code of Conduct in Buddhism : หน้า 72/105

'Vinaya' means 'code of conduct', 'discipline' and 'regulations'on the behaviour of individuals. As a collection, it is the name of the first portion of the Buddhist Canon [Vinaya-piṭaka] which deals with the proper behaviour of the members of the Buddhist community, such as monks and nuns. The number of rules a Buddhist layman should observe is five—known as the Five Precepts. Novices must abide by the Ten Precepts of orderly conduct. The Vinaya or the code of behaviour for monks contains 227 precepts, which serves as the foundation for Buddhist conduct. Of these 227 precepts, all of them can be broken down in detail and can be expanded into 21,000 individual teachings. Athletes must train and warm-up before competing. However, the training ground may not be the same as the actual competition venue. The training ground should be difficult and more challenging of the two so that muscles can develop effectively, and so that he can perform even better in the real race. This applies also to our minds. In order to improve and strengthen the mind, you must practice and exercise it. Instead of running on a track, we use the 227 precepts that have been expanded into 21,000, as a method of training the mind and instilling discipline and mental conviction. Vinaya exists to help monks achieve disciplined minds, and if they adhere to Vinaya with diligence, then they will have the opportunity to become an Arahant. Nevertheless, even if they decide to leave monkhood, they will still have a good mind and go about their worldly tasks with success.