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Buddhists/Five Precepts

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Expert: - 11/9/2007


Question
hello, What can i do... to get forgivness from the buddha,dhamma and sangha, if i break by mistake one of the five precepts? please i seek guidance.. im a begginer.. thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Andy,

Thank you for asking me.

First you must understand that the five precepts are not commandments.  We undertake to observe the five precepts TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES.  They are moral principles for us to live by, to the best of our abilities.  I don't think an average person can live through without ever breaking the precepts.  

The Buddha prescribed these precepts for us to live our lives peacefully.  However, 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.

Under normal circumstances if we really make mistakes then it is up to us to realize and to do better the next time.  If you hurt someone then you may ask forgiveness from the person.  However, if the mistake is self inflicted, there is no one to forgive you.  You only need to forgive yourself being mortal, and to try harder the next time.  This is the Buddhist way.  We are not perfect beings.  That's why we are striving to better ourselves.  We keep on improving by making mistakes.  Don't worry.  Keep on practising and you will be on the right track.

Smile from justinchoo :-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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