Expert: Anandapanyo Bhikkhu - 8/5/2010

Question
im not a buddhist yet but i would like to convert in the future put first i need to understand this religion i have read and understude the five precepts but i dont get the eight well the last 3 the

6th percepts talks about not eating after noon why is that?

the 7th percepts talks about not not having fun no music, no dancing, no singing, no playing games i get the no wearing sexy close and no makeup  but not the rest

8th percepts i don't get at all can you still sleep on a bed and is your mother or father considered "higher" than your self

i hope im not asking to much i just want a deeper understanding Buddhism feels right but even Buddha said to "Make a proper investigation first..."  thank-you for all your help


Answer
Dear Karla,

I applaud your quest to investigate and I think your questions are completely valid. It definitely is important to investigate and discern the reasons behind a religion before jumping in feet first!

Before I answer your question, I must give you two important points of fact about these rules (precepts):

First off, the five precepts and eight precepts were not original creations of our Lord Buddha, they are hold overs from the Brahmin religion that was abundant in India before and during the Buddha's time. The Brahmins were the scholarly religious caste of India. They taught and searched for meaning in the world. The five and eight precepts have been around long before the Buddha and will be around long after his religion is gone.

Secondly, precepts are only for those who lack self-control and self-understanding. They are guidelines for those who cannot manage to manage themselves. In addition, following these precepts blindly will be beneficial for only so long. So, I applaud your quest to understand.

People follow the five precepts as a general guideline on how to live harmoniously within the world. In fact, it is pretty much common sense.

People follow the eight precepts to live a spiritual life and dedicate themselves to the practicing of the holy life. Therefore the extra precepts (compared to the five) are specially designed for those who want a glimpse of the holy life.

Now to answer your question:

In the eight precepts there are a few key differences from the five precepts.

First,

The third precept is changed from "Abstain from sexual misconduct" to "Abstain from all sexual activity (some places recommend abstaining from contact with the opposite sex)"

Living a holy life requires abstaining from sex, those who are still having sex and unable to fully focus on spirituality.

Other than the third precept the first, second, fourth and fifth are the same as they were in the five precepts.

The sixth precept acts much in the same way as the third precept. In any given day, we spend much of our time preparing, searching and eating food. Much of our day is wasted away with preparing meals, buying meals, eating meals, cleaning after meals and then digesting meals. The human body can easily get by on one meal a day (many many monks and nuns have done this). Any extra is merely a distraction from the quest for spirituality.

The seventh precepts acts much like the fifth. The fifth precepts prevents us from intoxicants that take away our mindfulness. The seventh precept prevents us from doing "fun" things that ALSO take away from our mindfulness. In our quest to be spiritual - we want to notice and learn about ourselves - however, if we are partying and listening to music and dancing and singing and wearing makeup, our minds are distracted and we will sidetracked on our quest for spirituality.

The eight precept acts in much the same way. If we sleep on a high bed flush with soft pillows and cushy blankets....will we ever want to wake up? And if we are awake, can we help not wanting to take a nap? We would end up sleeping all day. That is also not conducive to our quest for knowledge.

Imagine going on a hike...however, ever three steps, you stop for a drink...Then you stop to flirt...then you stop to have sex...Then you stop to listen to some music...every four steps you stop for a steak dinner...then you take a nap...then you wake up and sing some songs and dance...then you take a few more steps...then you have breakfast...then you rest...Then you flirt some more....then you argue with your significant other...then you decide to sleep...then you have a snack...then you decide to put on some makeup and go out to buy some perfume (or cologne)....then you walk some more...then you have lunch....(You can imagine how long it will take you to finally reach your destination)

With this many distractions...what is the point of going on the journey (eight precepts) in the first place? Your better off staying at home (five precepts)?

The five precepts are expected of everyone...that is...it is common sense and everyone should abide by it. However, the eight precepts are a voluntary action. Those who take it, take it on purpose and with the mindset of spiritual advancement. Therefore, they voluntarily take the extra precepts as training.

I hope I have answered your questions..

Sincerely,

Phra Anandapanyo

PS. I sincerely applaud your quest for understanding! I hope I have been of some assistance!