buddhists opinions please.... (mystic, beliefs, myths)

[+Xausted]

hi. have just looked at another modules essay titles and i am completly uninspired ( unusual since i normally love this part of my course). the titles i have been presented with seem very basic and am wondering if i am missing something. would also like to hear your thoughts on the subject generally....its always good to bounce round others peoples thoughts and beliefs on a subject
i will be choosing either:
comment on the implications of the 1st precept
or
give a critical account of buddhist social ethics

[MysticSang'ha]

The First Noble Precept alone can provide insight, discussion, and debate for months. Both titles are extraordinarily broad. Perhaps you can shed some light on what is the first thing that comes to mind when you see these particular discourses? Anything personal? Cultural? Do you see applications in modern/ancient myths?

Once you happen to see the subject within a certain context, it can help you define your viewpoint much better as well as make it more exciting for you .........and therefore easier to embellish on varying points.

What do you see?




Peace,
Mystic

[+Xausted]

meant to be viewing all on how they affect daily life and how they apply to stratergies a buddhist would resort to in settling issues (economics, sexual and medical ethics, enviroment and conflict)
not struggling with it, just wondered what an actual buddhist thinks about it......
would you kill if in dire danger? maybe that should have been my title for thread.... : - )

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by 305265

meant to be viewing all on how they affect daily life and how they apply to stratergies a buddhist would resort to in settling issues (economics, sexual and medical ethics, enviroment and conflict)
not struggling with it, just wondered what an actual buddhist thinks about it......
would you kill if in dire danger? maybe that should have been my title for thread.... : - )

They apply to all phenomena (from this Buddhist's perspective ), which was why I asked what do you see first?

I must go offline for now, but your hypothetical discussion title is a question I would like to think about first, and then I hope to give my own opinion with more clarity. It's still a pretty broad topic concerning the truth of suffering, karma, and emptiness.

Happy musing!




Peace,
Mystic

[+Xausted]

" hypothetical discussion title is a question I would like to think about first, and then I hope to give my own opinion with more clarity"
given it any thought yet? : - )

[MysticSang'ha]

Would I kill if I were in dire danger? I likely wouldn't.

Would I kill if my children were in dire danger? I likely would.

I don't know how relevent the follow-up question is to your inquiry, though, so take it however you like.




Peace,
Mystic

[+Xausted]

my inquirery is much more of a personnel nature than of a theological student nature. .
thankyou for your response. may post to see what others think.

[Somkid]

To be a Buddhist, one take refuge in the Triple Gems. The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha for one's direction. Devotion is not the main path in Buddhist belief, but practice of good morality. All Buddhists are encouraged to observe Buddhist Precepts, that can be in five, eight or ten. The practice of precepts help to cultivate compassion, generosity, contentment, truthfulness and mindfulness. Every Buddhists should try to observe at least five precepts in order to elevate himself morally and spiritually.

PANCA SILA, the five main Buddhist precepts:

Panati-pata veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
Adinna-dana veramani sikkhi padam samadiyami
Musavada veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
Kamesu miccha~cara veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
Sura meraya-maija-pama~datthana veramani sikkha padam samadiyami

1. Refrain From Killing
2. Refrain from Stealing
3. Refrain from Lying, Slandering, Gossiping and Spreading Rumors
4. Refrain from Sexual Misconduct
5. Refrain from Taking Intoxicants


In many Buddhist countries (such as where I live), devout Buddhists observe the eight precepts on Full Moon and New Moon days. They spend 24 hours in the temple from early the morning to break away from this material and sensual world. The idea is to withdraw from our daily life of hustle and bustle to cultivate spiritual development, self training and peace of mind.
1. Abstain from Taking Life.
2. Abstain from Stealing.
3. Abstain from Speaking unnecessary.
4. Abstain from Sexual Activity.
5. Abstain from Taking Intoxicants.
6. Abstain from Taking meals at inappropriate time.
7. Abstain from Entertaining, Dancing, Singing, Use of beauty products & perfumes.
8. Abstain from Seating on high and luxurious chairs and beds.

The 10 Rules and 75 Precepts of Samanera (Novice Monk)
SAMANERASIKKHA



These Ten Precepts are to be observed at all time:
1. Refrain from taking lives.
2. Refrain from taking what is not given.
3. Refrain from un-chastity.
4. Refrain from speaking false speeches.
5. Refrain from taking intoxicants
6. Refrain from taking food at inappropriate time.
7. Refrain from dancing, singing playing music and watching entertainment programs.
8. Refrain from using perfume, cosmetics, wearing of garland.
9. Refrain from using high chairs and sleeping on luxurious bed.
10. Refrain from accepting gold and silver (money)
On top of the 10 strict precepts, samaneras also have to observe 75 rules, which are also observed by bhikkhus (full-fledge monk)

I don't know if that helps at all but if you need more PM me and I can e-mail you some Buddhist texts on this topic.