Creative Writings and Musings

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. I ntroduction 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 ha

Conscience is the intellect in us which help us to distinguish between “ right and wrong ”.   Society, our parents, teachers, friends and enemies they all contribute in developing our conscience. It is their response to our actions that tells us “this is right and that is wrong”.   As we grow this becomes ingrained, implanted in us, we go on repeating it. Society plays a very strong emphasis on conscience. Bur, is conscience worth? Is it a real thing? Consciousness, on other hand is the state of being aware within oneself, it does not have ready-made answers.   It takes every moment as it comes, gives us light and we know what to do. To elaborate the difference between the two, I tell a story. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus. She was very much in love with him. One day, Jesus came to the home of Mary Magdalene. His feet were dirty, to clean his feet Mary poured a very precious perfume on his feet--the whole bottle. It was rare and expensive perfume. Judas another disciple

गाड़ियों में जाने-अनजाने आदमी भागते जा रहे हैं.... मैं भी भाग रहा हूँ, तेज बहुत तेज... अन्दर कोई हैं जो कह रहा हैं- भाग ले कितना भी तेज मंजिल नहीं मिलेगी... दोस्तों के घर सजे हैं सुन्दर नियाब चीजों से... मैं भी सजा रहा हूँ घर, चीजे ढूंढ ढूंढ... पर कोई हैं जो हँस रहा हैं- घर सुन्दर सजाने से तू तो सुन्दर नहीं होगा... मेरे साथी सम्बन्धी भर रहे हैं तिजोरियां... मैं भी जुटा हूँ पैसे कमाने में... पर पा रहा हूँ अन्दर अब भी खाली हूँ... Originally posted: