by Temujin

This is the third and final essay on Buddhism. Hopefully it's been interesting and reasonably informative. This essay centres on the Five Precepts.

There are Five Precepts within Buddhism and these are:
Do Not Kill
Do Not Steal
Do Not Indulge in Sexual Misconduct
Do Not Make False Speech
Do Not Take Intoxicants

Some of those may look familiar from the 10 Commandments of Moses.

1) Do Not Kill
This is wider reaching than the Christian commandment as it applies to all living creatures, not just humans. It also applies to wars and is not "Do Not Murder". The precept is also wider in that it refers to acts committed by oneself, that you approve of/participate in with other people or if you instruct someone else to do it.

2) Do Not Steal
This means, ahem, do not steal. But it also has a slightly wider application in that you shouldn't shirk responsibilities. If you are employed to do a job and do it slackly then you are stealing your employer's time. Its broadest meaning is that a Buddhist should cultivate a giving nature and offer not just material gifts but encouragement and sympathy to those who require it.

3) Do Not Indulge in Sexual Misconduct
Across differing countries there is a wide divergence of opinion as to what is misconduct. However, rape and adultery are both universally wrong sexual acts and as such forbidden by this precept. As a matter of respect for others (and yourself) sex should not be meaningless or promiscuous (ie it should not be regretted afterwards).

4) Do Not Make False Speech
Telling lies shows a disrespect for the truth, and no good can come from lies, whether for malicious purposes or fun. Not only are plain untruths banned, so are exaggerations and misleading understatements designed to obscure the truth.

5) Do Not Take Intoxicant
Drugs, liquor and smoking are all bad for your health. They can also cause you to hurt others when acting drunkenly or being forced to resort to crime to feed a drug habit. This precept is based on a respect for mental health.

As promised, here's a link to the main page I based them on which has much more information and some links.