KIDS’ PAGE

By Colleen McDonald      

Buddhism’s Five Precepts               October 24, 2001

Last week I wrote about religious rules or laws meant to help their followers lead good lives and be the best people they can be.  Mostly, I talked about the Ten Commandments, from the Jewish and Christian religions.

I mentioned that the Buddhist guides for living are called Precepts.  There are five of them, and each one is longer than a commandment.  Here is the way I would describe them, as explained to me in a book by a famous Buddhist monk named Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced Tick Not Hawn):

1.  Be concerned about others, and learn ways to protect people, animals, and plants.  Do not kill or let others kill.

2.  Practice love and kindness, and learn what you can do to help people, animals, and plants.  Share what you have with others.  Do not steal.  Respect the property of others.

3.  Do not share with others the very private and special things you should share only with your husband or wife.  Keep your promises, and help others keep theirs.  Protect children from being abused, and do what you can to help families be strong and healthy.

4.  Use kind and caring words, and listen carefully to other people.  Speak truthfully and say things that bring others confidence, joy, and hope.  Do not gossip or criticize something you don’t understand.  Do not say things that will lead to fights.  Be a peacemaker, and help others solve their disagreements.

5.  Take care of yourself.  Eat and drink things that are good for your body.  Do not use alcohol or drugs (besides medicines).  Stay away from TV shows, movies, books, and anything else that shows or encourages dangerous or wrong behavior.  Express anger, fear, and confusion in ways that do not hurt you or anyone else.

Why do you think there are 10 Commandments but only 5 Precepts?  Which set of rules do you think is better?  Why?  Choose your favorite Precept and talk with a family member about what it means.

Love, Colleen