Expert: Justin Choo - 6/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Justinchoo,

I took my refuges and precepts on sunday however I did not take the 1st precept due to the fact that I am in the military and although I personally am in a position where I  do not physically kill anyone the organization alone has a hand in that, so I only took 4. However my question is what does Buddhism say about self-defense what if someone comes up to me and tries to mug me with a knife of gun or whatever the situation may be? Thank you and if you have any comments on my decision about the precepts that would be greatly apprechiated. Thank you

Chris.

ANSWER: Hi Chris,

This is a follow-up:

[You are invited to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And this blog by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/

Justinchoo.




Hi Chris,

Thank you for asking me.

The precepts are not commandments.  The Buddha prescribed these precepts for us to practise to the best of our abilities.  We are aware that breaking the precepts is unwholesome and in due course unwholesome consequences will appear to haunt us.  Apart from that, being intelligent humans we also know that these precepts are beneficial to all and breaking them will inadvertantly hurt others as well.  As such it is our social responsibilities to ensure that we live our lives responsibly.

The five precepts are meant to be followed in toto.  All five should be followed, to the best of our abilities.  All the precepts should be practised at all times, although we recite them once or twice a day as a reminder of our commitments.

As for your other question, actually it's not really a problem for ordinary people like us.  In times of emergencies, our instinct usually takes over our logical thinking mind.  The immediate reaction would be to defend ourselves.  With all intent and purpose, it is natural to react to protect our lives.  Or would we rather be killed than to take actions to protect ourselves?  It is a matter between a little bit of wisdom and good-hearted foolishness.  The choice is yours.  

Smile from justinchoo :-)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Justinchoo,

So in light of my job in the Navy, would it be considered a "lie" if I went back and asked to take the 1st precept? "The five precepts are meant to be followed in toto." did you mean to follow them in total?. Thanks.

Chris

Answer
Hi Chris,

What I meant was that Buddhists take all the five precepts together.  We either take the five precepts together or not at all.  These precepts are meant as guidelines for us to live a peaceful and harmless live.  We cannot just choose those precepts we want to follow and leave the rest.  

As I mentioned earlier, these precepts are not commandments.  We undertake to observe the five precepts TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES.  They are moral principles to guide us throughout our lives. We make effort to refrain from breaking the precepts.  I don't think an average person can live through life without ever breaking any of the precepts.  At times certain conditions may not allow us to rigidly adhere to them.  It is at such times that we must use our common sense and human intelligence to make decisions.  That is the time when we need to use our wisdom and freedom of choice.  Sometimes we might even have to compromise for the greater good of others and the society at large.

Smile from justinchoo :-)