What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Buddhist ethical conduct including the Five Precepts (Pañcasikkhāpada), and Eightfold Ethical Conduct (Aṭṭhasīla).
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sentinel
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What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by sentinel »

Greetings ,

What is the reason for lay people to observe eight precept ? Is there any specific sutta talk about observing eight precept ?

Thanks .
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TRobinson465
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by TRobinson465 »

I asked a similar question not too long ago with no answer. only three i have managed to find are these.

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitak ... .vaka.html

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitak ... .khan.html

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitak ... .than.html

Only explanation given in these is that the arahants of the past all followed it.
"Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism" - the 14th Dalai Lama

"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
sentinel
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by sentinel »

TRobinson465 wrote: Sat Sep 08, 2018 7:17 am I asked a similar question not too long ago with no answer. only three i have managed to find are these.

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitak ... .vaka.html

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitak ... .khan.html

https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitak ... .than.html

Only explanation given in these is that the arahants of the past all followed it.
I found the Mahayana explanation , it is learning to live a monastic life for the lay people .
You always gain by giving
Bundokji
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by Bundokji »

The practice increases creativity (neuroticism) as you will be trying to solve the problem of your existence. To bring things back to balance, an increase in conscientiousness (predictability/order) is required. The precepts whether five, eight, ten or whatever number you choose to follow are not only guiding principles of ethical conduct, but serve other purposes.

It is a common feature among many geniuses to establish a very strict routine. Immanuel Kant was a genius, and people used to set their watches by the time he had his daily walks along the river.

Also the precepts counter a common tendency among us which is linking freedom to doing whatever we want. The more precepts you have, the easier for you to see through this delusion.
And the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus, saying: "Behold now, bhikkhus, I exhort you: All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness!"

This was the last word of the Tathagata.
binocular
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by binocular »

James Tan wrote: Sat Sep 08, 2018 4:28 amWhat is the reason for lay people to observe eight precept ? Is there any specific sutta talk about observing eight precept ?
I think that at least the first ten precepts are a conclusion that naturally follows from one's consideration of the Buddhist teachings. I think that even if one would never hear anything about the precepts, one would logically arrive at them, such as by contemplating the implications of the Gotami Sutta, for example.
Hic Rhodus, hic salta!
dharmacorps
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by dharmacorps »

In the Thai Forest Tradition it is also said to be so the lay people can develop a closer relationship to monastics (in spirit at least).
TRobinson465
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by TRobinson465 »

I always thought the reason was because of not indulging in the senses. no sex, indulging in superfluous eating, entertainment like music and dancing, and giving up cushy beds.

This is based off pure reasoning tho, i have found no sutta explaining it except that the arahants of the past did it. Although i guess that sorta implies the sense indulging thing.
"Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism" - the 14th Dalai Lama

"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
Digity
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Re: What is the purpose of observing eight precept for lay ?

Post by Digity »

Wouldn't one of the reasons be to deepen one's meditation practice?
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