Dassikhapadam: The Ten Percepts
Summary: Dasshikapadam or the ten percepts are the collection of ten rules, which form the foundation of Buddhist "Kusal dhamma". In this article we learn the ten percepts and their significance in our daily life.
Introduction
The second chapter of Khuddakapatha (खुदकपाठ ) tells about the Dassikhapadam, or the Ten training rules, also known as the Ten precepts. These are the collection of rules to be followed by the (novice) monks and nuns.
The word Dassikhapadam (दस शिखा पदम ) is aggregate of three words: Das+Sikha+Padam meaning Ten Knowledge (learning/sheel) place or feet or base. These are the ten conduct principles on which the foundation of buddhist monastery stands. Unlike other religions, these are not commandments or rules instead they are part of conduct, they are the behavior a monk or nun should build inside himself/herself. Initially as we become aware and try to follow these sheels, we may fail. But as one continues the practice one gets into harmony with one's own true humane nature. It is only when there is harmony within that the journey towards enlightenment can start.
Thus, they are also known as Das Sheel (दस शील ), where the word sheel means 'aadhar' (आधार ) or foundation. These ten percepts are the foundation of 'kushal dhammas' (कुशल धम्मा ). These ten percepts are given by Buddha to his disciples at the time of pabbajja (पब्बज्जा ).
The word Dassikhapadam (दस शिखा पदम ) is aggregate of three words: Das+Sikha+Padam meaning Ten Knowledge (learning/sheel) place or feet or base. These are the ten conduct principles on which the foundation of buddhist monastery stands. Unlike other religions, these are not commandments or rules instead they are part of conduct, they are the behavior a monk or nun should build inside himself/herself. Initially as we become aware and try to follow these sheels, we may fail. But as one continues the practice one gets into harmony with one's own true humane nature. It is only when there is harmony within that the journey towards enlightenment can start.
Thus, they are also known as Das Sheel (दस शील ), where the word sheel means 'aadhar' (आधार ) or foundation. These ten percepts are the foundation of 'kushal dhammas' (कुशल धम्मा ). These ten percepts are given by Buddha to his disciples at the time of pabbajja (पब्बज्जा ).
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
It literally means: "I accept the learning rule to abstain from killing or hurting living beings."
It expresses the compassion towards all living beings. The first important aspect in this steel is that all living beings are assumed equal. Buddha does not place any supremacy of human life over other beings. Secondly, hurting here does not only mean physical hurt, but it encompasses all emotional, mental and/or even spiritual hurt. As one continues in the path, one becomes more and more aware of the consequences of one's actions. Its role in other person's life. The seeker tries that his/her actions/inactions do not hurt or harm other directly or indirectly.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Adinnadana: theft (to take what is not given)Literally it means: "I accept the learning rule to abstain from taking what is not given (theft)."
According to Buddha theft has a very broad definition. Taking anything that is not given amounts to theft. Most people take things not given to them out of greed. However, the one on path undertakes to abstain from theft, this makes the seeker aware of the moment greed arises. Here it should be clarified that Buddha has not restrained from asking, a seeker can ask for a thing, like the Bhikhu goes for Bhiksha, and asks the householder for food. If householder gives it is fine he/she accepts it, but if not then bhikhu will not take it through force or tantrums.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Abrahmacariya: sexual activity (absence of chastity)The literal meaning being: "I accept the learning rule to abstain from sexual activity".
In Brahmacarriya sutra, Buddha tells that seeker should practice brahamcarya for self restrain and cessation of asavas. Thus, a seeker should abstain from sexual activity as this gives rise to asavas, which in turn keep the person bounded to samsara, the wheel of life and death.
In Brahmacarriya sutra, Buddha tells that seeker should practice brahamcarya for self restrain and cessation of asavas. Thus, a seeker should abstain from sexual activity as this gives rise to asavas, which in turn keep the person bounded to samsara, the wheel of life and death.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Musavada: wrong speech ( Lie/deceit)It means: " I accept the learning rule to abstain from wrong speech"
The wrong speech here includes telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, speaking bad about others and even using harsh words while speaking to others.
5. Surāmerayamajjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Surāmerayamajjapamadatthana= sura + meraya + majja + pamada + thana; Surā: intoxicating liquid.There are five types of surā:, viz, Pith sura: The intoxicant obtained from wheat; Puv sura: The intoxicant made from wheat and jaggery; Oodan sura: The intoxicant made from rice water; Kinya pakhita: Intoxicant made from yeast; and lastly sambhar sanyukta: a mixture of above four. meraya: fermented liquor obtained from flowers and fruits. There are five types of fermented liquors, viz. Pufsavo: made from flowers; Falsavo: made from fruits; Gulasavo: made from sugar cane; Madhvasavo: made from honey and Sambhar sanyukta: made from combination of above four. majja:Any intoxicant; pamada: indolence, carelessness, negligence, intoxication; thana: condition, cause, reason.The literal meaning of this sikhapadam is, "I accept the learning rule to abstain from the condition of carelessness caused by consuming intoxicant drinks like wine, beer and ciders".
This rule refers one to abstain from the condition of indolence caused by taking any intoxicating substance. In the broader sense one can say that this percepts ask seeker to stay away from any form of intoxication. The intoxication may be caused by drinking intoxicant liquids, by taking drugs, perhaps even the intoxication of power, money status. The important thing here is the seeker refrains from carelessness, whatever he does he has to be watchful, careful.
6.Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Vikala+bhojana; vikala: vi+kala: wrong time; bhojana: food.It means, "I accept the learning rule to abstain from taking food at wrong time".
According to this percept the seeker refrains from eating at wrong time. But what is wrong time and why? Buddha asked his disciples to eat only once a day. According to the lifestyle described in pali texts, this seems to be time around mid noon. As per the history of Buddhism, this was also one of the issues which resulted in third buddhist council, and eventually divided Buddhism into two main sects Mahayaan and Heenyaan. According to Mahayaan the food should be eaten once a day, and wrong time is eating in evening or night. Heenyaan on other hand believes wrong time is eating after midday.
7.Nacca-gita-vadita-visuka-dassana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Dacca: dance; gita: song; vadita: musical instrument; visuka: show, display, exhibition dassana: seeingThe meaning is "I accept the learning rule to abstain from seeing display of dance, song or musical instrument"
The disciple in this percept is asked not to indulge in any form of shows, dance drama etc. It seems like a contradiction, because most Buddhist chants are so full of beautiful music. But we need to see deeper. In world most of the things on display or exhibition have an element of drama, there will be good and bad. A seeker should protect his/her heart and mind from all that heightened drama, thus should abstain from watching such shows.
8. Mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Mala: garland; gandhi:perfume; vilepana: creams; dharana:to wear; mandana: adornment;vibhusana: ornament; thana: conditionIt means, "I accept the learning rule to abstain from wearing garland, perfumes or creams or ornaments for the purpose (condition) of adornment (beautification)."
This percept asks seekers to refrain from all things that increase the concept of external beauty or in other words vanity. To understand this percept we need to understand why one wants to look beautiful, is it for self or so that others compliment us. Women spend hours and hours to look beautiful. But external beauty is temporary, it will go, instead the seeker should use his/her time wisely for inner beautification, which comes by following dhamma.
9. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Ucca: high; asayana: bed -maha: big; asavanna: seatHere the percept is, "I accept the learning rule to abstain from sleeping on high rise bed or sitting on a big chair". Normally our chair and our bed sizes donate our status or ego! By asking seeker not to sit on big chair or sleep on high rise (luxurious) bed, Buddha ensures that desire for chair (power) status etc do not arise in disciple.
10. Jatarupa-rajata-patiggahana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
Jatarupa: gold ;rajata: silver ;patiggahana: acceptance, reception, takingThe last percepts means, " I accept the learning rule to abstain from accepting gold or silver (money)."
Here Buddha advises his disciple not to accept gold or silver or any form of money. The reason is simple when a person accepts money or gold or silver the person gets attached to money, and money has been the root cause of most evil.
By following these ten percepts the seeker lays a strong foundation for his/her spiritual practices. As he grows into awareness, into enlightenment he becomes free of all asavas and all attachments and eventually from all rules. _/\_
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