Teaching of the month - May 2026

THE PURPOSE OF TAKING PRECEPTS

OM MANI PADME HUM
It is good to have an interest in Dharma and have the wish to practise it, but has practice begun? Many are put off by the precepts and, in fact, are still sitting ‘on the fence’ simply because one or more or all the five precepts seem unreasonable to them.

The precept that encourages one ‘not to kill’ seems to be the main concern, but have they considered the rest of the precepts? It would be much easier to try to uphold the first precept, refraining from killing, than the second, refraining from stealing, or even the third, refraining from sexual misconduct. The fourth, refraining from false speech, has been a great challenge for almost all cultivators. As for the fifth, refraining from taking intoxicants would discourage those who are attached to consuming alcoholic drinks.

One should not mistakenly think that by not keeping these precepts they will be punished by the Buddha. The Buddha has no mind to punish anyone. Out of compassion for the welfare of all beings, humans in particular—He taught them to avoid actions that bring harm to themselves and cause suffering to others. If such a pure teaching can bring confusion to the minds of those who hear it, then either the teaching has been misunderstood or the listeners are not yet prepared to practise it.

The precepts are the guidelines for all who truly seek a happy and peaceful life. Unless one practises them, there can only be pain and strife. It is like a patient who consults a doctor but refuses to take the bitter medicine. Anyone who suffers from such reluctance binds himself to samsara for a very long time. Isn’t it sad that they are in such a state? This is what is meant by a deluded mind.

Instead of giving up so easily, why not reflect on the harm that negative actions can do to oneself and others? Then consider the simple precepts that all are encouraged to follow. If one fears that ants or rats may overrun the home, then do not yet take the vow of non‑killing—but always remember that killing is unwholesome.

After some time, one may find that by not seeking the presence of these “pests” they may not even appear. Then one realises that most fears are often far-fetched. By keeping one’s home clean and tidy, by cultivating a good heart and by praying sincerely for the well-being of the very creatures that one fears, a change can be experienced. One begins to develop the confidence that refraining from killing is truly possible. Only then should one undertake the vow or commitment of non-killing.

With time, the fear of such “pests” vanishes, and one may even feel grateful for the lessons they brought. This awakening helps one realise that in this world there are no real pests—only one’s own ignorance. All living beings exist to play a part in helping one to practise the Holy Dharma. Therefore, no one should put fear in their mind or develop a negative attitude. All the precepts are practicable; one simply needs to put some effort into it. Attempting to uphold them does not guarantee instant success. The true severity of breaking a precept lies in doing so after having taken the vow never to commit it.

Thus, it is really simple: if one is able to stop killing, then take that particular vow. Otherwise, begin by practising abstinence.

Thursday, 28th January 1988 (12th Moon 10th Day)