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The Buddhist rules for Laypeople (non ordined)

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
I would like to share this pdf file. A guide to the rule is explained for laypeople within Buddhism, or should I say a part of Buddhism, and in this case Theravada tradition.
I hope that people will understand that to be a Buddhist is not about believing in Buddhas teaching an think it is enough to become enlightened. Even laypeople have to conduct themselves in a very well manner.

www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/bhkkrule.pdf
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
I would like to share this pdf file. A guide to the rule is explained for laypeople within Buddhism, or should I say a part of Buddhism, and in this case Theravada tradition.
I hope that people will understand that to be a Buddhist is not about believing in Buddhas teaching an think it is enough to become enlightened. Even laypeople have to conduct themselves in a very well manner.

www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/bhkkrule.pdf
Thank you for sharing this .pdf; it's a nice and clean reading. Well done. Gives a good insight in Buddhism way of living.

I never read much about Buddhism, and did not know they had to follow so many rules. But when I read a little about Buddha when I was around 18 years old, the part of non-violence I liked very much, and from this I figured out that Buddhism must be a good way to live, because if you do not harm others it means a lot. If someone manages this, he might be close to being enlightened maybe.

You mention "to be a Buddhist is not about believing in Buddhas teaching an think it is enough to become enlightened".
I think it is enough to become enlightened (as a goal in life). But probably you mean, that we need to act Dharmic to become enlightened. They all work together: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love, Non-violence. We have to purify to reach enlightenment (being "light" = "pure"); that is how I see it.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
Thank you for sharing this .pdf; it's a nice and clean reading. Well done. Gives a good insight in Buddhism way of living.

You mention "to be a Buddhist is not about believing in Buddhas teaching an think it is enough to become enlightened".
I think it is enough to become enlightened (as a goal in life). But probably you mean, that we need to act Dharmic to become enlightened. They all work together: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love, Non-violence. We have to purify to reach enlightenment (being "light" = "pure"); that is how I see it.
Vey welcome :)
Yes, i tried to say, to become enlighten it is not enough to just believe in Buddha, one must follow and understand the teaching :) Dharma must become a part of daily life and who we are :)
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
I would like to share this pdf file. A guide to the rule is explained for laypeople within Buddhism, or should I say a part of Buddhism, and in this case Theravada tradition.
I hope that people will understand that to be a Buddhist is not about believing in Buddhas teaching an think it is enough to become enlightened. Even laypeople have to conduct themselves in a very well manner.

www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/bhkkrule.pdf
There are no rules. ;0)
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
There are no rules. ;0)
For Buddhist monks (Theravada) it is the Vinaya, and this OP and PDF is about how laypeople should behave according to Vinaya and Ordained monks.
How Zen Buddhists see Vinaya or not i do not know.

Monks within Theravada has 227 rules/guidelines how to behave
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
There are rules, but they should probably not be taken as forbiddances.
For lay Buddhists it is mostly the 5 precepts that is basic guidelines, but as you say, the rules is not something that should be seen as forbidden to do, more as it is not wise to do other then follow the guidelines :)
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
For Buddhist monks (Theravada) it is the Vinaya, and this OP and PDF is about how laypeople should behave according to Vinaya and Ordained monks.
How Zen Buddhists see Vinaya or not i do not know.

Monks within Theravada has 227 rules/guidelines how to behave
I know what your saying. In Zen, rules are more akin with guidelines by which mindfulness is practiced, but it's not to say that rules are not followed during formal sittings and ceremonies. They are.

I find rules, no matter where they are from , are really a good test for the ego based on my experience and whether I react positively or negatively. Like a lot of people, sometimes I follow the rules, sometimes I don't. It's all Dharma.
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
I know what your saying. In Zen, rules are more akin with guidelines by which mindfulness is practiced, but it's not to say that rules are not followed during formal sittings and ceremonies. They are.

I find rules, no matter where they are from , are really a good test for the ego based on my experience and whether I react positively or negatively. Like a lot of people, sometimes I follow the rules, sometimes I don't. It's all Dharma.
Yes i understand you :) according to if we follow the righteous guidelines or chooses to not follow them we get a reaction from the law of the universe :) Good or less good
 

Twilight Hue

Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
For lay Buddhists it is mostly the 5 precepts that is basic guidelines, but as you say, the rules is not something that should be seen as forbidden to do, more as it is not wise to do other then follow the guidelines :)
It kind of reminds me of one of my favorite stories of the Buddhists who've taken a vow of silence.



silence.gif
Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out. The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out." The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?" The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?" The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."
 

Spirit of Light

Be who ever you want
It kind of reminds me of one of my favorite stories of the Buddhists who've taken a vow of silence.



silence.gif
Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out. The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out." The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?" The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?" The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."
Actually that is a fun one :) Thank you for sharing it with us :)
 
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