Like many religions and social orders around the world, Buddhism follows certain rules and precepts that will help them achieve their goal of enlightenment. Where Christians all over the world follow the 10 commandments of Christianity, Buddhism has five precepts to live by.
The five precepts of Buddhism have some similarities with the 10 commandments in Judaism and Christianity. These five precepts are as follows:
1. Do not kill. In some books and translation materials, this precept is sometimes refereed to as “not harming” or the absence of violence. His precept can best be remembered by the non-violent struggle of the great Hindu, Mahatma Gandhi in his struggle for freedom.
2. Do not steal. Like the first precept that says, “Do not kill”, this precept is also present in the 10 commandments of Christians. There is a sense of universality in the protecting live and properties thus no one should arbitrarily deprive anybody of their lives and their properties.
3. Do not lie. Some writings interpreted this precept to include name-calling and gossiping. This is analogous to the Christian 10 commandments, which said, “thou shall not bear false witness”.
4. Do not misuse sex. Adultery should always be avoided for those married individuals. As for monks and nuns, the vow of complete celibacy should be honored at all times. In the Christian 10 commandments, adultery is also prohibited.
5. Do not consume alcohol and other drugs. Accordingly, the basis for this prcept is that taking intoxicating drinks would cloud the mind and would diminish ones control over his or her actions.
