Topic Test -Questions and Answers

1. What are the 5 precepts?

the Buddhist version of a code of conduct or rules to help people behave in a moral and ethical way.

1. Do not kill

2. Do not steal

3. No fornication

4. No lying

5. No intoxication

2. What is the significance of the 5 precepts?

Foundation of Buddhist ethics

Avoids Tanha and provides social stability

3. What are the virtues that accompany the five precepts

Parimas are the Theravada for virtue Parimitas – Mahayana for virtue (Both mean perfections)

1. Do not kill – Karuna- compassion for all living beings and Metta Loving kindness   

2. Do not steal – Dana - generosity

3. No fornication –  Kshanti (patience), non-attachment

4. No lying – honesty / responsibility (Mahayana Upaya?)

5. No intoxication – Samadhi / calming mediation / mindfulness.

4. What does Harvey note about the negative nature of the precepts?

"while each precept is expressed in negative wording, as an abstention, one who keeps them increasingly comes to express positive virtues"

5. What can Buddhist ethics be summed up as?

Changing the person, not the action- Or Virtue ethics (Not Utilitarian or deontological)

6. What is the main approach to ethics in Theravada?

The textual sources Dhammapada, five precepts and Sigalovada Sutta (laity relationships e.g. teacher/student), ten precepts Vinaya Pitaka and Prātimokṣa (227 rules for monks), The Vinaya Pitaka- according to Keown the "basis" of Buddhist ethics

7. What is the significance of the 1st Precept

I undertake to abstain from taking life. This Precept is against killing or harming living things Ahimsa- no harm - including animals. Ideally, Buddhists should therefore be vegetarians, but in practice, many are not. Bhikkhus, of course, eat whatever they are given by lay Buddhists. If they are given meat, it would be wasteful and ungrateful not to eat it. Buddhists try to eat organic food that has been humanely killed, wherever possible, By extension, this Precept is against any violent, aggressive or harmful behaviour.

8. What is the positive side of the 1st Precept

1 shall show loving kindness to all beings. Since Buddhists believe that all beings are connected by sharing life, developing an attitude of loving kindness (metta) increases the happiness of all beings. This can be done by practising the Metta Bhavana meditation and by cultivating mindfulness. In this way they will be aware of the effect that they have on other people.

9. What is the Buddhist response to warriors

Yodhajiva Sutta- violence itself is not the Karmically bad, but intention to harm and kill is

10. How does Sinwardena justify ahimsa and the 1st precept?

"Life and limb are precious to every living being and nobody has the right to destroy the life of another for any reason"

11. What does Bodhi note about the 1st precept?

"killing lies with the mind"

Killing a human- worse than killing an animal as humans have more 'guna' (moral qualities)

Intention determines moral weight

12. How does Harvey prioritise the first precept?

"regarded as the most important"

13. How does the Nipata Sutta justify the first precept?

"he should not kill a living creature, nor cause to kill, nor approve of others killing"

14. How does the Dhammapada justify the first precept?

"If a person does not harm any living being... and does not kill or cause others to kill - that person is a true spiritual practitioner"

15. What is the significance of the second precept?

I undertake to abstain from taking what is not freely given. In its simplest form this is a Precept against stealing, but it can be far more than that. You may do something that is quite legal, but which aims to exploit others for your own gain: this would also be against the second Precept. It is not a matter of law, but an attitude that seeks to get what belongs to others, or disrespect what is theirs. Some forms of high-pressure advertising or selling take other people's time and energy, as well as their money.

16. What is the positive side of the 2nd Precept

I shall show generosity to all beings.  This does not just mean giving (though it does mean that) . It also means cultivating an attitude of wanting others to do well. Jealousy of what other people have got is very destructive. It not only hurts you, but, if it leads to attempts to get what other people have, it can involve ruthlessness

and a disregard for their feelings. The Suttas say that there are five consequences of being generous: you will be very popular, you will have good friends, you will have a good reputation, you will have lots of self-confidence, and you will have a fortunate rebirth.

17. What does Bodhi note about the 2nd precept?

"Encourages honesty and right livelihood"

Again based on intention- all stealings are bad but stealing from a beggar a lot worse than stealing in gambling

18. How does Sayadaw describe the 2nd precept?

"taking surreptitiously what belongs to another person without his knowledge"

20. How does Aitken understand the 2nd precept?

Covers gambling and exploitative labour

21. What is the significance of the third precept?

I undertake to refrain from the misuse of the senses.  This Precept is against over-indulgence. In its

simplest form it is against sexual misconduct that harms oneself and others. Buddhist monks, nuns and some lay people undertake to live without sex, so that they can follow the spiritual path in an undistracted way. For others, there are no strict rules about how they should express their sexuality. The important thing is that causing

harm - either physically or emotionally – or taking advantage of another person sexually, leads to unhappiness and therefore is to be avoided. Some Buddhists extend this Precept to include any form of over-indulgence, for example in food or drink. The Precept is really about being in control of your life, and not being controlled

by your desires and attachments.

22. What is the positive side of the 3rd  Precept

I shall show respect to all beings. Sex should be an expression of love and intimacy between two people, and when it is, it contributes to one's mental and emotional wellbeing. The positive aspect of this Precept also

means that you should be responsible and loyal in relationships, and value friendships.

23. How does Harvey summarise the 3rd precept?

"avoidance of causing suffering by one's sexual behaviour"

24. What did Buddhaghosa note about the 3rd precept?

considered homosexuality a breach of this precept

25. How does Hanh justify the 3rd precept?

"I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and long-term commitment"

26. How does Dhammika describe ideal conditions for sexual relationships in Buddhism?

"Sex should be an expression of love and intimacy between two people and when it is it contributes to our mental and emotional well-being."

27. What does Bodhi note about the 3rd precept?

Not ban on all sex, just wrong-intentioned

For this reason, rape and incest are 2 worst offenses

"greed accompanied by delusion"

28. What is the significance of the 4th precept?

I undertake to abstain from wrong speech. Buddhists should avoid speaking negatively to or about anyone. They therefore avoid lying, slandering, gossiping, speaking harshly or unfairly, and talking about nothing.

29. What is the positive side of the 4th   Precept

I shall show honesty and sincerity to all beings. This involves being honest with other people and with oneself. It includes not giving the wrong impression, or trying to be someone you are not, but being yourself and sharing your thoughts in a straightforward way. Buddhists should also try to cultivate helpful, gentle and kindly speech.

30. What does Bodhi note about the 4th precept?

Not just direct speech- all forms of communication

"gravity of the lie is contingent on its motivation"

31. What does the Dhammapada say about the 4th Precept?

With gentleness overcome anger. With generosity overcome meanness.

With truth overcome deceit.

Speak the truth; give whatever you can; never be angry.

Dhammapada 223

32. How does Theravada and Mahayana differ I understanding the 4th precept

In Theravada it is understood has personal and individual honesty and truthfulness. Whereas in Mahayana the idea of Upaya (skilful means) found in the Burning house lotus sutra parable suggests the precept can be broken if done out of compassion. 

33. How does Ta-sui sum up the 4th precept?

"Don't think falsely"

34. What is the significance of the 5th precept?

I undertake to abstain from drugs and alcohol that cloud the mind. - Although some Buddhists do drink alcohol, they do so only in moderation, and they do not allow their minds to become fogged and clouded by it. Some people drink to relax and get rid of stress and tension; but Buddhists would say that meditation techniques are more effective and less harmful. Others drink to help them escape from unhappiness; but that is not the Buddhist way, either. Drink and drugs should also be avoided because of what they lead to. The Sigalovada Sutta says that they bring six types of misfortune: loss of one's property, quarrels, sickness, a bad reputation, moral shame and poor mental health. Also, breaking this Precept increases the chances of breaking the other four.

35. What is the positive side of the 5th   Precept

I shall show mindfulness in my actions. Buddhism is about being 'awake': a buddha is fully awake to the truth of life. You need a clear mind. A person cannot hope to make progress if he or she tries to hide away from the truth by retreating into a drunken haze. One of the purposes of Buddhist meditation is to help a person become more mindful - to be aware of everything that he or she does at every moment, and why; to avoid going through life in a dream.

36. What does Bodhi note about the 5th precept?

Alcohol and Drugs, pretty straightforward precept as they come

"avoid them altogether"

37. What does Harvey note about the 5 precept?

"there is no mental clarity or calm, and one is more likely to break all the other precepts"

38. How is meditation viewed in regards to the 5th precept?

Meditation= opposite of intoxication as keeping mind clear

39. How does Hanh describe the 5th precept?

"I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicants, or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins"

40. How does Khantipalo consider the 5 precepts?

"basic and minimal observance of moral conduct by a Buddhist"

41. How are higher precepts graded and defined?

8 precepts for pious laity

Full 10 precepts for monastics

42. What are the higher precepts?

6. Abstaining from untimely meals- trying to be healthy and not overindulge, dependency on Lay

7. Abstaining from dancing, singing, music and watching mime- avoiding entertainment as it hides what is actually real

8. Abstaining from perfume and other personal adornments- perfume is desire for attention and an illusion, sensory satisfaction

9. Abstaining from high seats- relates to comfort

10. Abstaining from handling money- needless attachment and distraction

43. What does Bodhi say about Sila?

"harmonises our actions by bringing them into accord with our own true interests"

44. How does P Harvey describe the 5 precepts?

"foundation of the spiritual path"

"The overcoming of Dukkha"

45. What does P Harvey argue the purpose of the 5 precepts are?

A promise or vow to oneself"

"cultivates moral virtue by accepting precepts"

46. How does Bodhi describe the 5 precepts

"ethical algorithm"

"minimal ethical virtue as the foundation for the path"

47. What does Bodhi argue the purpose of the 5 precepts are?

"self-transformation"

"Inner purity of will and motivation which comes to expression as virtuous bodily and verbal conduct"

48. Thanissaro Bhukkhu on the 5 precepts

"five great gifts"

49. According to Thanissaro Bhikkhu what are the benefits of the 5 precepts?

"freedom from danger, freedom from animosity, freedom from oppression"

50. What does Plamintr note about the 5 precepts?

Goal: "positive bearing upon one's conscience and awareness"

51. What does the Dhammapada say about the 5 precepts

"whoever destroys living beings, speaks false words, who in the world takes that which is not given to him, or goes too with another mans wife, or takes distilled, fermented drinks- whatever man indulges thus extirpates the roots of himself even here in this very world" 

52. What are the 8 rewards of Buddhism?

First 3: 3 Refuges

Last 5: 5 precepts

53 What does Zen master Bong note about the 5 precepts and why is this significant?

"The precepts are to help us cut off our attachments, and when that is done, then all the precepts are kept naturally"

Shows the use of the 5 precepts by Mahayana as well as Theravada

54. What ethical system is used in Mahayana?

The 6 Parimitas (perfections) – which O Brian says aim to “describe the true nature of an enlightened being"

55. How does Shantideva sum up Mahayana ethical direction?

"May I be the doctor and the medicine"

56. What are the 6 Parimitas?

1 Dana: Generosity and self-giving

2 Sila: Virtue, morality

3 Ksanti: Patience, tolerance

4 Virya: Energy, Diligence

5 Praja: Wisdom, insight

6 Dhyana: 1-pointed concentration

57. How does Roshi consider the 6 paramitas?

"if Dana is the entry to the Dharma, then Prajna is its realization and the other Paramitas are Prajna in alternate form"

58. What vajrayana perspective on the 6 paramitas does Kyabgon provide?

"The six paramitas are concerned with the effort to step out of the egocentric mentality"

59. What are the basics of Mahayana ethics?

Upaya (skilful means) e.g.  Parables of the Burning house and 2 monks crossing a stream (one picks up a woman and its fine)

8FP not that important

2 key values: wisdom and compassion

60. What is a prajnaparimita quote which sums up Metta?

"all living things are worthy of loving-kindness"

61. Is Mahayana Buddhist ethics selfish?

Hobbesian idea of reciprocal help- doesnt have to be a bad thing

Dalai Lama- "it is foolish to concentrate on the self when helping the vast numbers... can bring greater benefit to the self... this is wise selfishness"

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