A reminder: this is the second part of Wise Action, which is the second of eight parts of the path the Buddha described as the way to freedom from suffering. I first wrote an introduction to the Eightfold Path, which you can find here, then a post on Wise Speech. My last post was the first part of Wise Action. In this discussion Wise Action is synonymous with the Five Precepts, which are to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual harm, harsh speech and intoxicants. In my first post on Wise Action I described the first two of these precepts. This post describes the other three.
The third precept is to refrain from sexual harm. As with the others, there is a very basic level of this precept, which is that adultery causes suffering. Whereas this is normally a true statement, the very term adultery does not necessarily have meaning for many relationships in the modern world. Even a suggestion that one ought not have any sexual relations outside of a committed relationship does not take into account the many varieties of sexual experience that might or might not cause harm, not to mention that sex has the power to do great harm even within a committed relationship.
Therefore the crux of this precept must be avoiding the creation of harm, of suffering in oneself or in another. Sexual energy is a powerful force and can be used to reinforce intimacy and to have great fun but can also cause great and often permanent harm if misused. As with the previous precept, we must also be cautious that none of our actions are manipulative, creating a situation of seeming consent where at a deeper level there is none. If we use pornography we must ask ourselves a similar question about our assumptions of consent on the part of those who participate in its creation. Is this also a form of sexual harm?
The aspiration form of the precept concerning sexuality is the vow to cultivate responsibility. If we behave responsibly toward all beings, it is unlikely that we will knowingly create sexual harm.
If you study the dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) for a while, it will become evident that many of the terms repeat in different forms and places. Thus it is that Wise Speech is the first part of the Eightfold Path and is also one of the precepts. Specifically, the precept asks us to refrain from harmful speech. I refer you to the post on Wise Speech for a lengthy discussion of this concept.
The aspiration form of this precept is the vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening. I did not write much about listening as a form of skillful speech, but it is an important part of this. To listen deeply is to have no agenda but to listen, to be entirely open to what is being said without judgment and without any impulse to interrupt or begin formulating our response before the other person has stopped speaking. It is a very difficult practice and one to which we are not accustomed. Amazing what you can hear if you are actually listening! It can be quite different from what we thought was being said.
The fifth precept is to refrain from intoxicants. This one is tricky, too. Of course, it would be simple to say that we should avoid all alcohol or other drugs, but this is not necessarily true. For those who can safely do so, a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage might lead to a greater ability to be present. Many wise people have sworn by hallucinogenics as an aid to realization. Caffeine can an intoxicant if used unwisely. Food can be addictive. Too much sugar can lead to unwholesome mind states.
On the other hand, we need not get into splitting hairs to understand the intent of this precept. We are being asked to refrain from anything that keeps us from a clear awareness. We also avoid use of any substance that has the potential to create harm or in any situation where harm might result (driving after drinking being the classic example). As with all of the precepts, if we align ourselves with the desire to avoid harm and move on a path toward enlightenment, we cannot go far wrong.
The aspiration form of this precept is a vow to ingest only that which preserves peace, well-being, and joy. It is worthwhile reminding ourselves that this means not only our own peace, well-being, and joy, but that of all beings. If our consumption of any substance creates harm for another or has the potential to do so, it should be avoided.
The next step on the path is here.
Therefore the crux of this precept must be avoiding the creation of harm, of suffering in oneself or in another. Sexual energy is a powerful force and can be used to reinforce intimacy and to have great fun but can also cause great and often permanent harm if misused. As with the previous precept, we must also be cautious that none of our actions are manipulative, creating a situation of seeming consent where at a deeper level there is none. If we use pornography we must ask ourselves a similar question about our assumptions of consent on the part of those who participate in its creation. Is this also a form of sexual harm?
The aspiration form of the precept concerning sexuality is the vow to cultivate responsibility. If we behave responsibly toward all beings, it is unlikely that we will knowingly create sexual harm.
If you study the dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) for a while, it will become evident that many of the terms repeat in different forms and places. Thus it is that Wise Speech is the first part of the Eightfold Path and is also one of the precepts. Specifically, the precept asks us to refrain from harmful speech. I refer you to the post on Wise Speech for a lengthy discussion of this concept.
The aspiration form of this precept is the vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening. I did not write much about listening as a form of skillful speech, but it is an important part of this. To listen deeply is to have no agenda but to listen, to be entirely open to what is being said without judgment and without any impulse to interrupt or begin formulating our response before the other person has stopped speaking. It is a very difficult practice and one to which we are not accustomed. Amazing what you can hear if you are actually listening! It can be quite different from what we thought was being said.
The fifth precept is to refrain from intoxicants. This one is tricky, too. Of course, it would be simple to say that we should avoid all alcohol or other drugs, but this is not necessarily true. For those who can safely do so, a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage might lead to a greater ability to be present. Many wise people have sworn by hallucinogenics as an aid to realization. Caffeine can an intoxicant if used unwisely. Food can be addictive. Too much sugar can lead to unwholesome mind states.On the other hand, we need not get into splitting hairs to understand the intent of this precept. We are being asked to refrain from anything that keeps us from a clear awareness. We also avoid use of any substance that has the potential to create harm or in any situation where harm might result (driving after drinking being the classic example). As with all of the precepts, if we align ourselves with the desire to avoid harm and move on a path toward enlightenment, we cannot go far wrong.The aspiration form of this precept is a vow to ingest only that which preserves peace, well-being, and joy. It is worthwhile reminding ourselves that this means not only our own peace, well-being, and joy, but that of all beings. If our consumption of any substance creates harm for another or has the potential to do so, it should be avoided.
The next step on the path is here.
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