Theravada Buddhism
Ancient Teachings for a Modern World
We are part of the oldest living Buddhist tradition in the world, Theravada. The teachings come from the Buddha named Sidhartha Gautama, often referred to as the historical Buddha. He was born in India over 2,500 years ago and discovered not only the cause of suffering in the world, but the way to completely eliminate all forms of suffering, large and small. Because this teaching was available to everyone with a sincere interest to practice it, a group of enlightened disciples formed around him, known as the Noble Sangha.
The teachings of the Buddha, the Dharma, have been preserved in a collection known as the Pali Canon or Sutta Pitaka. This is the most accurate record of what the Buddha and his enlightened disciples taught. Fortunately, these texts have been translated into very modern, easy to understand English so we can explore them for ourselves.
The word Theravada―pronounced TAE ra VAA da (the h is silent)―means teaching of the elders. It is the main form of Buddhism found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and Laos.
In the centuries after the Buddha’s death, up until the present day, people have been adding their own personal ideas into the teachings of the Buddha. This has resulted in a wide variety of sects and beliefs that lead to much confusion and doubt among those trying to reach the same happiness that the Buddha found. But when we return to the original teachings, we see that the instructions the Buddha gave us are practical and bring both short term and long term happiness. The Buddha encouraged us to compare what we hear to the original words spoken by him and have confidence in those thing that match.
The Five Precepts
The Buddha taught us that virtue is the foundation for all of the good qualities we can develop in the mind. By following five basic training rules we can eliminate worry and regret that disturbs our meditation. As well, we avoid all the unpleasant results of unwholesome actions.
These are the five basic moral rules the Buddha asked his lay disciples to follow:
- I observe the precept of abstaining from killing living beings. This means not intentionally causing the death of any living beings.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from stealing. This means not taking things that do not belong to us.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from abstaining from sexual misconduct. This means not having sex with people we are not married to or with people against their will.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from telling lies. This means saying what is true at the proper time.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from using intoxicating drinks and drugs. By following this precept we are committed to having a clear mind at all times.
Buddhists will usually remind themselves of their commitment to keep these precepts by reciting them once a day. The also take the precepts when they come to a monastery.
When we realize we have broken a precept, we can immediately make the determination to follow it in the future. The Buddha taught us that even this intention is extremely powerful.
It is important when we have doubts about the precepts to ask a knowledgeable good friend so we can have confidence in our actions. Sometimes we think we have broken a precept when we really haven’t. Sometimes we even think it is impossible to keep the precepts because of some misunderstanding.
Even though it is sometimes difficult to keep the precepts, especially at the beginning, we will quickly see the benefits. When we meditate our minds wont be troubled by worry and regret. When we think about the many bad results we have avoided by keeping the precepts, we will have a tremendous gratitude for the compassion of our teacher, the Supreme Buddha.
The Eight Precepts
The Buddha encouraged his lay disciples to follow extra training rules as often as they could. They are an enhanced version of the five precepts they follow every day.
The Eight Precepts:
- Abstaining from killing
- Abstaining from stealing
- Abstaining from sexual activity
- Abstaining from telling lies
- Abstaining from intoxicating drinks and drugs
- Abstaining from eating after noon
- Abstaining from entertainment and beautifying the body
- Abstaining from using luxurious furniture
We follow these precepts thinking, “The fully enlightened disciples of the Buddha followed these precepts for their entire lives. Let us, imitate these great beings for this day.”
Lay people can follow these precepts as often as they like. Traditionally, Buddhists come together to observe these precepts, listen to teachings, and practice meditation on the full and new moon days. Here in Saskatoon, we do this on the Fourth Saturday of every month at a Sinhala language event.
If you have questions about following these precepts on your own or with a group, please speak with one of the monks.