Monday, December 10, 2012

The Training of Morality

The Training of Morality 
Sila or Morality 

          The Training of Morality is one in the Threefold Training. It is the practical point for not only Buddhist monks but also for lay Buddhists to develop morality. Before practising Sila or morality, we should define what is good and Evil, the main ethical value, according to Buddhist concept as follow :

Good and Evil 

           The concept of Good [ Kusala ] and Evil [ Akusala ] are connected to consciousness and mental factors. From this source of actions, kamma occurs through the body, speech, or the mind itself. Buddhist commentators define kusala sa being characterized by :

            Arogaya, a healthy mind which is free from illness and affliction.

            Anavajja, a clear mind which is untarnished and unstained.

            Kosolsambhuta, a judicious mind imbued with wisdom and knowledge.

           Skhavipaka, a content and happy mind which has well being as its reward.

           The definition of Akusala is directly opposite to that of Kusala for it is associated with the mind that is; weak, unhealthy, harmful, ignorant, and resulting in pain and suffering.

           Thus Kusala or wholesome deeds represents the mental conditions that promote mental quality , and Akusala or unwholesome deeds is that which causes mental degeneration and brings down the quality and efficiency of the mind.

           There are three unwholesome actions that are performed through the body, namely; killing, taking what is not given and indulgence in sexual misconduct. There are four kinds of unwholesome verbal actions; slanderous or malicious speech, harsh speech and frivolous speech. There are three kinds of unwholesome mental actions; covetousness, ill will and false view, which are closely identified with the root of unwholesome or unskillful action, namely ; anger and ignorance.

            On the wholesome side, there are also ten kinds of skillful actions: three bodily, four verbal and three mental.

            One could say that these Buddhist precepts depicted in this way, are somewhat negative. Nevertheless, the Buddha pointed out how the ten wholesome actions can be followed in both negative and positive aspects as follows:

            1. Abstaining from the destruction of life, one cultivates love, kindness and compassion, working for the welfare of all beings.

            2. Abstaining from taking what is not given, one cultivates respect for other property rights and earns a livelihood through fair means.

            3. Abstain from sexual misconduct, one practises self - restraint and observes good morals.

            4. Abstaining from false speech, one adheres to truth and is honest and trustworthy.

            5. Abstaining from malicious speech, one endeavors to reconcile people and promote harmony among community members.

            6. Abstaining from harsh language, one practises pleasant and courteous speech.

            7. Abstaining from frivolous speech, one speak only that which is useful, reasonable, and appropriate to the listener, time and purpose.

            8. Abstaining from covetous thoughts, one practises generosity and altruism.

            9. Abstaining from ill will, one cultivates goodwill and kind thoughts toward all beings, wishing them freedom from fear and suffering.

            10. Abstaining from wrong view, one develops right understanding and right conviction in the law of kamma, believing in the fruits of wholesome and unwholesome actions.

            Some of the more obvious examples of Kusala mental qualities include concentration, mindfulness, calm, non arrogance or humility, desire for what is good [ kusalachanda ], joy in Dhamma , and insight into the realization of truth. These kinds of positive bodily, verbal and mental qualities are cultivated by the ways of Threefold training, designated as Sila, In the Buddhist Eightflod path.





By THE BUDDHA'S Core Teachings

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