The Essential Principles of Buddhism for Human Beings

Abstract

Essential Moral Principles of Buddhism
The principles of morality for Buddhists, as bestowed and taught by the Lord Buddha, are
complex and nuanced, encompassing a broad spectrum of teachings tailored to various levels of
practice and spiritual maturity. They include teachings that are suitable for daily living as well as
higher levels of practice. If any Buddhist, or anyone else, who resolutely committed to following
these teachings, it will certainly bring about peace and happiness in their lives and in society as
a whole, that is to say:
The Five Precepts as Universal Human Virtues
The Five Precepts are moral guidelines for human conduct. When a society adheres to
these five precepts, it becomes a noble, peaceful, and prosperous community. These precepts
are as follows:
1. Pāṇatipāta veramaṇī (abstaining from killing living beings): This means refraining from
killing, causing harm, oppression, or cruelty to life and body. It is about respecting the lives of
others, whether humans or animals, as all beings love their own lives. Practicing this virtue
involves having kindness (mettā), goodwill, wishing for the happiness and prosperity of all life,
and compassion, the desire to help others out of suffering;
2. Adinnādānā veramaṇī (abstaining from taking things not given) this refers to refraining
from theft, which is the act of stealing or robbery. It also means avoiding any form of exploitation
or harm toward others’ possessions. Practicing this virtue involves righteous conduct, earning a
living through honest and ethical means;
3. Kāmesu micchārā veramanī (abstaining from Sexual Misconduct): this means refraining
from improper conduct in matters of sexuality, avoiding actions that harm one's spouse or others, as it can destroy dignity and peace of mind, causing disorder within families. Practicing
this virtue involves mindfulness and restraint in matters of pleasure sense, knowing when to stop
and control desires, avoiding indulgence in sensory pleasures such as sight, sound, taste, and
touch;
4. Musāvādā veramaṇī (abstaining from false speech): This means refraining from lying,
deceit, or using speech to harm others or destroy their well-being. Practicing this virtue involves
truthfulness, sincerity, and honesty in one’s words and actions;
5. Surāmerayamajja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramanī (abstaining from intoxicating drinks and
drugs casing heedlessness): denoting refraining from drinking alcohol and avoiding substances
that cause intoxication, leading to a loss of mindfulness. Intoxication can result in recklessness
and mistakes due to a lack of awareness, such as causing accidents or, at the very least,
undermining the sense of stability and safety within society. Practicing mindfulness means being
continuously aware and conscious, training oneself to always think carefully and remain self
aware, knowing what should and should not be done. This mindfulness ensures that one does
not become intoxicated or reckless.