An Analytical Studies of Non-harming in the Ovadapatimokkha

Abstract

             The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the general concept of non-harming, 2) to study the concept of non-harming specifically in the Ovada Patimokkha, and 3) to analyze the concept of non-harming within the Ovada Patimokkha. This qualitative research is analyzed data from both primary and secondary sources to understand the meanings, essences, and connections to related Dhamma principles and presents through a descriptive-analytical method.
             The research results found that:
             1. The concept of non-harming in Buddhist philosophy is a fundamental principle encompassing the abstention from violence in body, speech, and mind. Adherence to this principle is a fundamental basis for liberation from suffering. Through non-harming, non-harming of the body, non-harming of speech, and non-harming of the mind, the concept of non-violence rejects inflicting suffering on others and all beings, including oneself.
             2. The Concept of Non-harming in the Ovāda Pātimokkha found that non-harming was a core principle integrated into the three exhortations: 1) Refraining from all sins, avoiding physical and verbal harm, is consistent with the precepts of morality (sīla-sikkhā). 2) Performing good deeds completely, and avoiding harm, is linked to developing a compassionate and loving-kindness mind, which is part of mental training (citta-sikkhā). 3) Purifying the mind is the ultimate goal of avoiding harm in the mind, by cleansing away defilements, which are the root cause of harm.
             3. The concept of non-harming in the Ovada Patimokkha is seamlessly integrated into other principles of Buddhist philosophy, both at the level of thought and action, such as the concept of morality (sīla). Non-harming is a foundation of morality, especially refraining from taking life and refraining from stealing. The Four Sublime States (Brahmavihāra) are closely related to the principle of developing a mind filled with loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, which are considered the heart of non-violence in the mind. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Noble Path are interconnected and integrated into the principle of non-harming, as reflected in Right Livelihood and Right Action.