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The Nature of Human Beings and the Five Precepts
138
The Nature of Human Beings and the Five Precepts
…tic, like tigers, bears, or crocodiles which have to kill to survive. Therefore, the first Precept reminds human beings not to kill so as to keep our nature. 2. By nature, humans will not steal. It is t…
… can produce and trade for sustenance, unlike animals that fight for food. The third characteristic emphasizes fidelity, as humans are capable of being content with one mate rather than succumbing to an…
The Importance of the Five Precepts in Society
139
The Importance of the Five Precepts in Society
…ame to know the existence of the Five Precepts and passed on this knowledge to us. They can also be employed to quantify human behavior, that is: If we can observe all the Five Precepts, then we are 100…
The Five Precepts serve as fundamental guidelines for maintaining peace on earth. Originating before Buddha, they measure human behavior: full adherence results in complete humanity, while deviating r
Understanding the Five Precepts
141
Understanding the Five Precepts
…p and begin to get angry at either small or large issues, this knowledge can help you control your temper. How did the First Precept, one shall not kill, come into existence? The senior monk Whom do you…
…ls is discussed to illustrate why taking life is wrong. The dialogue conveys valuable lessons about empathy and respect for all living beings, highlighting that every creature values its own life. Simil…
Understanding the Four Basic Necessities and Precepts
142
Understanding the Four Basic Necessities and Precepts
… if you find out that they are not honest with you. Your reaction would be that you will not love them any longer. The senior monk The children The senior monk: The children Do you have a brother? : Yes…
…, food, water, medicine, clothing, and shelter, referred to as the Four Basic Necessities. The monk emphasizes the significance of these items for survival and connects them to the Second Precept about …
Understanding the Five Precepts
143
Understanding the Five Precepts
…or monk The children The senior monk : Yes, he will. : And have you ever lied to him? Yes, I have. Remember this, if you lie to somebody, they will feel less love for you each time, and vice versa. No o…
…nts, explaining how these substances can weaken one's conscience and moral character. The narrative emphasizes that strong character is essential in upholding the precepts and demonstrates through an ex…
Keeping the Five Precepts Intact
144
Keeping the Five Precepts Intact
How do you keep the Five Precepts intact? When I was a student, I started training myself to observe the Five Precepts. This is how I did it. Before I was ordained, I wore a Buddha image around my nec
… intoxicants. They reflect on each precept's importance, such as valuing life, honesty, and family, emphasizing that living by these principles fosters a good character. The aim is to inspire parents to…
Meditation and its Impact on Children
147
Meditation and its Impact on Children
visualizing the Buddha image. When they grow up, we can be sure that our children, when facing problems, will stay cool, calm and collected. "Can meditation really change a human being? When we open our…
…tial to instill calmness and self-reflection. By learning to meditate, children can better assess themselves rather than criticize others, ultimately leading to personal growth and improved life choices…
The Joy of Ordination: A Tribute to Mothers
148
The Joy of Ordination: A Tribute to Mothers
vacation. The poster shows a mother about sixty years old. She is holding a small lei in her hands; her face is full of joy. Her son, attired in white novice robes, is bowing low at her feet showing d
The text highlights a poignant poster depicting a mother and her son during his ordination, emphasizing the joy of this spiritual milestone. The act of ordination is portrayed as a profound way …
The Significance of Ordination in Thai Culture
150
The Significance of Ordination in Thai Culture
I have seen parents make funeral arrangements for their children, grandparents for their grandchildren. It should not be this way, and I cert…
… through supportive acts. The senior monk's guidance serves as a pivotal point for decision-making, emphasizing that in the end, family connections and spiritual growth outweigh temporary job obligation…
Confronting Life's Inherent Sufferings
154
Confronting Life's Inherent Sufferings
…r lives to various degrees. "Instead of realizing and being aware of this suffering, humans blind themselves even further with other trivial things. A person will trouble himself more to fulfill his des…
This text discusses the duality of suffering and happiness in life. It emphasizes the natural forms of suffering such as aging, sickness, and death that everyone faces. Many…
Understanding Death and the Purpose of Life
155
Understanding Death and the Purpose of Life
…ever be the purpose of life. The purpose of life is to cultivate merit and purify oneself from defilements to attain Nibbana. Since defilements still remain, one should never stop doing good deeds until…
… as a mere inevitability leading to despair, and the other as a motivator for a purposeful life. It emphasizes the cultivation of good deeds and merits as the true purpose of existence. Reflecting on de…
Purifying the Mind for a Better Life
156
Purifying the Mind for a Better Life
…a) and meditation practice (Bhāvanā). "A person who understands the purpose of life, habitually contemplates the reality of death, and makes an effort to cultivate good deeds will have the right view of…
…ng a clear and bright mind through inhalation and exhalation as key to life and decision-making. It emphasizes preparing for death by reflecting on past good deeds which lead to happiness and heavenly r…
Coping with a Father's Illness in Buddhism
158
Coping with a Father's Illness in Buddhism
"Recently, he fell seriously ill and was admitted into a hospital. The doctor said he has cancer and probably won't have much time to live. My father does not have faith in Buddhism. How can I help hi
This text discusses the emotional struggle of helping a father diagnosed with cancer who lacks faith in Buddhism. A senior mon…
The Last Moments of Life: A Daughter's Duty
159
The Last Moments of Life: A Daughter's Duty
… the last moment when the pain is unbearable for him and you tell him to take refuge in the Triple Gem, he may consider taking your advice. "Another thing you can do is to prepare alms food (rice, fruit…
…lp ease his suffering. A personal experience highlights the power of chanting to alleviate pain and emphasizes the importance of supporting parents, regardless of past neglect. Caring for them fulfills …
The Importance of Honoring Grandparents
163
The Importance of Honoring Grandparents
…his parents this way. On the contrary, those who take care of their parents and complain or curse them at the same time - or even worse, directly or indirectly abuse their parents - will have children w…
The text emphasizes the need for parents to demonstrate respect towards their own parents (grandparents) to ins…
Characteristics of Fruitful Elderly Individuals
164
Characteristics of Fruitful Elderly Individuals
…earned their livelihood, and are well prepared for their elderly years so that they can depend on themselves without help from others. Their behavior and manners are well adjusted; they know that they w…
The text discusses the qualities of 'Fruitful Persons,' elderly individuals who exemplify self-sufficiency and altruism. They live by Buddhist principles, offer alms, adhere to precept…
The Role of Elderly in Family Dynamics
165
The Role of Elderly in Family Dynamics
…ualifications. Studying the criteria of how our ancestors blessed their descendants and instilled them with obedience, raising them to become good citizens is of great benefit to us. Their principles gi…
…e who are affectionate and honored by their children lead fulfilling lives without loneliness. They embody knowledge and virtue, preparing the next generation to be good citizens. The guidance from ance…
Understanding Blessings in Thai Tradition
166
Understanding Blessings in Thai Tradition
…st. Therefore, when the elderly give a blessing to their descendants, it is equivalent to wishing them the very best. The Significance of the Blessing Many may not know that blessing descendants has bee…
…g family bonds and a deep belief in the Law of Kamma, ensuring good deeds are valued. The tradition emphasizes the importance of family connections and instills lasting values in the next generation.
Creating the Best in Oneself through Generosity
169
Creating the Best in Oneself through Generosity
… those who had once been selfish, angry, or jealous, and then reversed their conduct by improving themselves, will possess positive thoughts, speech, and actions. When good deeds are accumulated, bad ha…
…f transforming negative traits like greed and anger into positive ones through conscious self-improvement. It highlights how generations before us practiced daily acts of generosity, such as preparing a…
The Wisdom of Ancestral Teachings on Family Values
170
The Wisdom of Ancestral Teachings on Family Values
family members fight over property or money. This causes the decline of the very best in the family and proble…
This text discusses the impact of family members fighting over property and money, highlighting how such conflicts lead to negative outcomes. Ou…