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The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:31 am
by charlotte
I'm really confused about these three precepts and I can't see how they're relevant to the practise of moral discipline. What's wrong about eating at a certain time, decorating yourself, singing, and laying on a high bed. I can't see how that hurts anybody else. I'm sure there is a good reason for these precepts, but I don't know them.

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:49 am
by cooran
Hello Charlotte,

8 precepts are usually observed by lay people on important Buddhist days or during a retreat.

This thread may be helpful.
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=86

With metta
Chris

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:37 am
by Bhikkhu Pesala
It is a refinement of morality for the sake of developing concentration, which is the basis for developing insight.

The Uposatha Observance.

What is the harm in eating at the wrong time, decorating yourself, singing, or lying on a luxurious bed?
  1. Eating without restraint leads to all kinds of health issues. This even affects monks who generally eat only one or at most two meals a day.
  2. Decorating the body by using perfumes, cosmetics, and jewellery may lead to the increase of lust and/or vanity.
  3. Singing or playing music, or listening to them increases heedlessness and sensual attachment. In the Noble One's discipline, singing is likened to lamentation.
  4. Lying on luxurious beds, or sitting in luxurious seats is liable to lead to increase of laziness and sensual attachment.

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:44 am
by James the Giant
The luxurious beds precept is an important one for me when on retreat;
I prefer to get rid of the mattress and instead use a hiking sleeping-mat.
Otherwise I am tempted to sleep late, and also have a nice afternoon snooze.

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:32 pm
by LonesomeYogurt
As others have said, the precepts here are mostly related to making sure that the mediator has a clear and unimpeded mind. I find that meditation is, for most, far easier when one eats little and avoids things that distract the mind; music,singing, dancing, and other things are not immoral, but they can stir up the mind and keep it from growing calm.

Unless you're on a retreat, or plan to really devote yourself to meditation, it is not necessary to take these precepts. Only the five precepts are necessary for a lay person. However, if you are interested in deepening your concentration, it may be worth checking out.

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:23 am
by charlotte
Thanks everyone, that helps clear things up a bit, but I'm still a bit :shrug: about the 6th precept, why was it made a precept?

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 10:51 am
by Ben
Charlotte,

Go back to the first line in Venerable Pesala's post above and that is the explanation as to why there are an additional three precepts to be observed on uposotha days and during retreats.
The following document may be of benefit for you.
Uposatha Sila: The Eight-Precept Observance
compiled and written by Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (Ñanavara Thera)
translated from the Thai by Bhikkhu Kantasilo

kind regards,

Ben

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2013 2:13 pm
by Hickersonia
charlotte wrote:Thanks everyone, that helps clear things up a bit, but I'm still a bit :shrug: about the 6th precept, why was it made a precept?
I tend to use the 6th precept as a reminder of how much harm beings do in their nearly constant search for food for themselves and their families. I think that any time I am refraining from food I am hopefully helping to save beings that would have otherwise been destroyed (by accident or not) as a result of the demand created by my additional consumption.

If nothing else, I have noted a distinct improvement in my level of focus on things, particularly at work, if I don't eat after noon, and contrary to what I had expected I'm no more tired when I get home either way. LOL

Re: The 6th, 7th and 8th precept. Why?

Posted: Fri Apr 26, 2013 3:16 am
by Virgo
I offer that it is because this is a "Dhamma & Discipline", to quote the Buddha, and not just a Dhamma or teaching. Any bodily crookedness, any verbal crookedness, and any mental crookedness, we must abandon as part of this.

Kevin