Expert: Justin Choo - 11/6/2011

Question
Hi, I've recently been looking into Buddhism and have been really interested by it but I was wondering if i become a buddhist, could i still become a police officer? Because one of the five precepts says not to harm life or living things so would this intervene with being in the police ?
Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Scott,

The five precepts are not absolute commandments. In fact there is no commandment in Buddhism.  The five precepts are moral priciples where Buddhists undertake to observe to the best of their abililities.  Breaking the precepts means certain moral principles have been compromised; and in accordance with the law of kamma, the consequences of breaking these principles will actualize in future, if not immediately.  Some of these consequences may be very minor while others may be severe, depending on the nature of the actions.

Sometimes we are confronted with difficult situations which require difficult decisions, even at times conflicting with our principles.  It is during these critical moments that we need to use our wisdom to make a calculated decision.  

Sometimes circumstances force us to respond in an unwholesome manner, but for the greater good of the society or some other parties.  Although the action per se is not wholesome,  there is a mitigating reason that we are forced to act such.  In this type of difficult situations, we have to use our common sense and wisdom to decide.  Actually in time of acute emergencies, we are spared from the agony of calculated decisions, as we most probably will use our natural instinct to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

It is your choice whether you still want to choose a vocation that you may have to make difficult decisions which may be in conflict with or compromise your moral principles.  A Buddhist has the freedom to decide which vocation he chooses.  

Hope this helps.

Take care.