GuidePostsForBuddhists

AdaptedfromTheravadinBuddhistWritings

By

SitaPaulickpulle-Renfrew

BuddhistPublicationSocietyKandy•SriLanka

BodhiLeavesNo.20BPSOnlineEdition©(2011)

DigitalTranscriptionSource:BPSTranscriptionProject

For free distribution. Thisworkmay be republished,

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reformatted, reprinted and redistributed in anymedium. However, any such republication andredistributionistobemadeavailabletothepublicona free and unrestricted basis, and translations andother derivative works are to be clearly marked assuch.

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GuidepostsForBuddhists

BuddhistsandBuddhism

ne becomes a Buddhist by freedetermination;notbybirth,norrace,norby nationality; not by consecration,baptism, nor any other legally binding

ceremony. Buddhism does not assume to be a statereligion,norcananyhierarchyuse itas such, for theSangha (Monks) are merely more earnest than layBuddhists in the search for truth and right action inpractice.

The Buddhist monk at his best exemplifies theheights of evolution possible by meditation, andpracticeof theBuddhaPath.Assuchhe isworthyofhonour and is respected, both as an evolved personandasa teacherof theBuddhistWayofLife. Ifhe isnotworthyof suchhonourhe ismerelydisregarded,butnotcondemned.

AccordingtoBuddhistethicsnopersonorauthority

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can ever impose upon another any code of conductlower in morality or humanity than the individualhimselfdesires.Neithercananyonemakeanotheractonahigherplanethantheindividualhimselfwishes.Eachpersoncanactonlyaccordingtothelevelofhisstateofevolution,andhastolivebytheconsequencesthereof. Therefore it is theduty of all thosewho callthemselvesBuddhiststoseektobecomeprogressivelymore and more evolved by living according to theteachingsof theBuddha,whether theybelong toanyBuddhistcongregationornot.

The right to be a Buddhist and to practise theBuddha’swayoflifeisthenaturalrightofallbeings.Thereshouldneverbeanycompulsionbyparentsormonks. Hence any one can begin at any time, evendiscard it if theWay is toodifficult forone’s stateofspiritual evolution. In Buddhism the individual islargely the architect of his spiritual structure … hemay seek instruction, but when he acts it has to beentirely of his own volition, and with the fullunderstanding that he, and he alone can be heldaccountable for theresultingconsequences.Nomonkor spiritual leader can ever command the conscienceofaBuddhist,howeverhumblesuchmaybe.

Buddhism when practised even imperfectly, butwithout hypocrisy, enlightens its adherents as to therealnatureoftheuniverse, includinglawsandforces

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operating therein. Buddhism discloses to the earnestseekertheessenceofhisbeing,showinghimthetruenature of the higher destiny which extends beyondthis fleeting earth-life; by awakening his slumberingmoral forces and faculties, it kindles in him a desirefor the good and noble and true. Thus he seeks tobecome humane, patient, unselfish, and enduring,thereby gaining understanding of life’s sorrows,confidenceinhisultimatedestiny,andcouragetoseekthehighestaimofeverylivingbeing…emancipation,consummation, Nirvana, which is a state oferrorlessness. In as far as Buddhism does this it istrulyareligion!

Buddhismisalsoaphilosophy,foritdemandsofitsadherents not blind faith in any Creator-God, orrevealedword, but apersonal convictiongained andconfirmed by one’s own investigation, examination,andexperimentationindealingwiththefactsas theyexist,usingtheBuddhaDhammaasaguide.Thustheprecepts of Buddhism can be verified by earnestreflectionbecausetheyarenotbaseduponthewillofan incomprehensible supreme being, nor upon anysupernatural revelation of truth, nor upon thepronouncementsofanypope,abbot,monk,patriarch,or any religious dignitary. Instead, the naturalconstitutionoftheworldandoflifeasweexperienceit are freely studied and investigated in order to

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become enlightened as to the true nature of reality,resultinginalifesolivedthattheleastharmresultstooneselforfellowman.

Buddhism does not ever frighten the wrongdoerwith threats of eternal punishment, nor does it bribeanyonewithpromisesofeternalhappiness in the lifeto come. Instead it seeks to clear up the eye of theerring one, who ensnared by delusion becomesconfused and frightened. All Buddhism can do is toleadthehoneststrugglerafterrightactiononthewaytofurtherspiritualdevelopmentandmoralperfectionuntileverything transitorybecomesknowntohimasworthless. Therefore every desire for vengeance, allacts of angry rebellion or coercion and idledaydreaming, are recognised as being irrelevant,futile, and not conducive to the understanding ofreality. Thus every type of prejudice, illusion, andconfusionbecomeknownandultimatelydisappearinthelightofknowledgebasedonfacts.

AccordinglyitisthedutyofthepractisingBuddhistto correlate in his own life the highest religio-moralprinciples known to him with the deepestphilosophical-ethical truths discovered by mankind.Thus the trueBuddhist seeks togainwholenessbothwithinhimselfandinunisonwiththerestofmankindwhereverhemaybe, buthe is ever aware that innerwholeness is more important than outward

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conformity. To a Buddhist allmen are brotherswhoare born with differing talents and possibilities.Thereforetheyshouldberespectedregardlessofrace,colour,creed,orstatus.SinceaBuddhistseeksonlytoreform himself (though he gladly helps those whoseekhisaidoradvice)hehasnoothermandatebuttolivehislifewithoutharmingfellowbeingsorhimself.

TheBuddhistseekstoattainerrorlessness[1]inthisor in some future state of existence. Whenerrorlessness isattained the life-cycle isended,hencemere salvation from the consequences of error is notthe goal of Buddhism. Instead, it is Enlightenmentleadingtoanerrorlesslife.This isultimatelypossibleonly on an individual basis; any one, beingenlightened,may help, but he can not achieve it foranother, nor can enlightenment be organised enmasse.

AvenuesofEnlightenment

1. Through energetic effort—mental, spiritual,physical.

2. Through personal experience and

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experimentationwithtruth.

3. Through trials and temptation—mental,emotional,physical.

4. Through close and earnest investigation of factsastheyexist.

All these avenues may be explored individually orwiththehelpofothers,butwheneverpersonalactionis called for it is the individual who has to assumeresponsibilityforresultingconsequences.NoBuddhistcaneverblameanotherforhisacts.

EnlightenmentinAction[Righteousness]

1. Self is recognised as not consisting of aneverlastingsoul,butasanever-changingfluxthatcanbecomeprogressivelymorecontrolled.

2. The interdependence and interrelatedness of alllifeisacceptedasnatural,butnoeffortismadetoenforceuniformityorconformity.

3. Because the life-flux is an ever-changingmanifestation the practice of all-comprehensive

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kindness toward livingbeings becomes acceptedbehaviour.

4. Since good consequences are sought it isnecessary to practise virtue and wisdom inthought,word,anddeed.

5. The development and achievement of spiritualpower within oneself rather than power overothersisagoalleadingtofinalemancipation.

6. Compassion toward every suffering being ispractised in thought,word, anddeed,wheneverandwhereverpossible.

7. Noremissionoftheresultsoferrorisexpectedbyprayer or supplication to a Supreme Being, butthere iswillingnessandabilitytorecogniseerrorandwork for its amelioration individually or incooperationwithothers.

8. Thefiresofgreed,lust,hatred,andignoranceareunderstood and conscientiously avoided untiltheyceasetofunctioninone’slife.

9. Truth in every aspect is respected and searchedforasabasisformakingvalue-judgments.

10. Without self-righteousness or arroganceNirvanaismadethefinalgoaloflife.

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Nirvana

All-ComprehensiveTruth,Compassionately

Expressed

TheFourEnnoblingTruths1. Sorrowiseverywhere,andeverpresent.

2. Sorrowistheresultofuncontrolleddesires.

3. Emancipation from sorrow is possible for thosereadyforself-disciplineineveryaspectoflife.

4. ThePathtoEmancipationisEightfold.

TheEnnoblingEightfoldPath1. Rightcomprehensionthatdissipatesdelusion.

2. Rightaspirationthathurtsnoone.

3. Rightspeechthatmakesforclarity.

4. Rightconductthatbringsnoregret.

5. Right livelihood that causesneitherdiscreditnorhurttooneselforothers.

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6. Rightendeavourthatresultsingoodness.

7. Rightmindfulnessthatgivescontrolledaction.

8. RightmeditationthatpreparesforNirvana.

ResultsofEnlightenedAction1. Neitheroneselfnorothersareharmed.

2. None is forced to act against the dictates ofconscience.

3. Asenseofinnerpeaceandsecurityisachieved.

TenCardinalErrorsandWhereTheyOriginate1. Murder,theft,lust:TheBody.

2. Lying,slander,abuse,gossip:TheTongue

3. Greed,hatred,misconceptions:TheMind.

BypersistentpractiseoftheEnnoblingEightfoldPath(in spite of failure and discouragement) the body,tongue, and mind will be progressively controlled,eliminatingtheseerrors.

TenNegativesandPositivesofBuddhistLiving1. Kill not, but have regard for life in all its

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manifestations.

2. Steal not, neither rob, realising that each is theownerofonlythefruitsofdeeds,goodorbad.

3. Abstain from lust and lead a life of self-control,therebyachievingself-respect.

4. Lie not but be truthful, speaking the truth withdiscretionandkindness.

5. Inventnotevil reportsnor repeat them,but lookfor the good qualities of fellowmen, and defendthemwheneverpossible.

6. Swearnot,butspeakwithproprietyanddignity,regardlessofcircumstances.

7. Waste not your time in gossip, but speak to thepointorkeepsilent.

8. Covetnot,nor envy,but rejoice at thegood thatothersenjoy,knowingthatsorrowisever-present.

9. Cleanse your mind of malice and cherish nohatred,notevenagainstthosewhoseektodoyouevil,becausetheevil-doercannotescapehisownevildeeds,butyoucanavoidthem.

10. Free your mind of ignorance and seek to knowthe truth in all matters that lead to a good andworthylife,asexpoundedbytheBuddha.

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TheFour-foldStruggleforPerfection1. Struggle,withoutviolence, topreventerror from

arising.

2. Struggle,withoutmalice, to put away error thathasarisen.

3. Struggle,withdiligence,toincreasethetruththatisknown.

4. Struggle,withmindfulness, toproduce the truththatisnotyetknown.Thisstruggleforperfectionmay be carried on either alone or with thecooperationofothersoflikemind.Wastenottimeinidlepersuasion.

TheFiveMoralPowerstobeCultivated1. Self-reliant practice of the Dhamma by the

individual,becausenoonecan liveanother’s lifeforhim.

2. IndefatigablepersistenceinusingtheguidanceoftheBuddhawillensuresuccess.

3. Mindful analysis of conduct to prevent errorsfromcreepinginunobserved.

4. Concentration upon Buddhist goals in order toachievegoodresultsinanyendeavour.

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5. Wisdom culled from personal experience,analysed in the light of Buddhist precepts.Without this, none can achieve Nirvana. Thesemoralpowers shouldbe carefully cultivatedandconsistently practised on an individual basis.Theymaynotbeforceduponanyonebyanother,howeverstrong.Theyshouldbeencouragedandfosteredatalltimesandineverycircumstance.

TheBuddhistWayofLifeLive quietly amid the noise and haste of life,rememberingwhatpeacethereis insilence.Asfaraspossible,withoutsurrender,beongoodtermswithallpersons, listen to the opinions of others and seek tounderstand their ideas, yet be unafraid to speak thetruth as it is known, quietly and clearly, withoutarroganceorself-importance.

Whenever possible avoid loud, thoughtless andaggressive people; they are vexatious to the spirit,causingtroublewherevertheyare.

Never compareyourselfwithothers, lest vanity orbitterness result; ever remember therewill alwaysbepersonsgreaterandsmallerthanyourself;suchistheworkingofcauseandeffect(lawofkamma).

Enjoyachievementsandplans,beinginterestedinacareer however humble; by so doing, happiness is

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possibleinthislifeofuncertaintyandchange.

Accept the good with the ill, knowing both aremerited; but remember none can be his brother’skeeper…theevolvedmayseektohelpanother,nevertolivetheother’slifeforhim.

In all business matters exercise caution andintelligence, for always there are dishonest personswhosewordsareworthless.

Yetneverblindyourself to thevirtue there is; it iseverpresentlikespringsofwaterinadrearydesert.

Alwaysbeawareof thekindlinessandgoodwillofothersinalldealings,forwithouttheseitispossibletobecome cynical; remember in the face of alldisenchantment that kindness and goodwill can stillworkwonders.

Aboveall,behonest, feigningneitheraffectionnorlearning; hypocrisy is like a cancer that grows andgrows.

Do not be disturbed by dark imaginings aboutyourself or a fellowman, or doubt and despairmayresult.

It is necessary to view all life dispassionately, foronlythusiscalmnessofspiritattained,andwithoutitlifebecomesburdensome.

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Atalltimesbereasonablewithyourselfandothers,thusdevelopinganunderstandingoflife’sdifficulties,and making them serve the purposes of truth andgoodness.

Never forget that yourself and others all have aright to be here or they would not be; take comfortfrom this all-pervading truth… be they stars, trees,animals, or human, they each follow their own lawsandkarmicpattern,andarenotmisplaced.

In all life’s situations seek opportunities forperforminggoodandusefulacts, thushelping life tounfoldwithkindnessasitshould.

Whateverwoe betides you, seek to express all thegoodnesspossible, thusgrowing ingraciousness andwisdom.

Developthecourageandwisdomtotakekindlythecounsel of the years, and gracefully surrender theattributes and excitements of youth, so that onemaybebetterabletoservetheneedsofyouth.

Aboveall,keeppeacewithinyourselfregardlessofthe noisy confusion around, because life presentsopportunities making fullness of living possible, inspiteofitsmanylaboursandseeminginconsistencies.

Whatever is experienced…be it shams,drudgery,broken dreams, faded hopes; be it success, fame,

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wealth,orglory…itiswelltoeverbearinmindthateach life is essentially none other than what theindividualmakesit.Itisstillpossibletolivegloriouslyand well in spite of life’s difficulties or worldlysuccess.

Bear in mind that no one can ever take away theindividual’s initiative inthefieldofself-developmentinsearchoftruth,happiness,andpeace;thisrightcanonlybevoluntarilysurrenderedbyeachindividually;it can not ever be forcibly taken away from anyone,howeverweakorhumble.

Thereforebeofgoodcheer,andunafraid, continuethe search for truth; this is thenatural right of everyhumanbeingthatseekstowalktheBuddhaPath.

ABuddhist’sReactiontoLifeABuddhistseekstobeevermindfulofthefollowing:

1. Nolifeispermanent;allstatesofmindandmatterareinflux,thereforebeundismayed.

2. Since all phenomena are impermanent, vanityandarrogancearemeaningless.

3. Since all phenomena are consequential, actmindfullyatalltimes.

4. Evolutiondependsgreatlyonthekarmicpattern,

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which is always capable of modification by theindividual himself, with or without the co-operationofothers.

5. If need arises, dignified and firm opposition toundesirable situations should be expressed bygroups or individually, in a spirit of calmgood-willandasenseofhumour.

6. Whether life is a challenge or a burdendependson the individual’s view-point, not oncircumstanceorthewillofothers.

7. Sorrow is ever present; it is increased by theheedless, the careless, the arrogant, the knave,and the fool; it isminimised by the intelligentlymindful,theconscientious,thehumblygood,andthewise.

8. Even “righteous” anger is a stumbling block toonewhowouldfollowtheBuddhaPath.

9. Lifecannotbeeffective iforientedupon thepastor the future; it has to be lived in the ever-changing present, utilising every opportunity toprogresstowardtheultimategoal.

10. By observing rites and rituals no one can beabsolved from the consequences of erroneousaction in thought, word, or deed. Compassionand understanding should be extended toward

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the erring one, but “forgiveness of sins” is notpossible for any god or fellowman to grant, norcan any person achieve it by performing acts ofpenanceorcontrition.

11. Delusion is the basic cause of all error andunhappiness; it should be dispelled byunderstanding the nature of reality, acceptedwithout vain regrets. Error can be counteractedonlybyinvestigatingfactsandactingaccordingtothedictatesoftruthandgoodness.

12. On whatever level the individual seeks tofunction, careful preparation is necessary foreffectiveliving.ThosewhoseektodothisfindnodisadvantagestoachievingthegoalofNirvana.

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Notes

1. ”Errorlessness,” in the author’s terminology,meansfreedomfromignoranceanddelusion;andthis, again, is identical with the fullunderstanding, the perfect practice of theEnnobling Eightfold Path and the attainment ofNibbāna, which has been called the “errorlessstate”(asammosadhamma).—Editor[Back]

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TableofContents

Titlepage 2GuidepostsForBuddhists 4BuddhistsandBuddhism 4AvenuesofEnlightenment 8EnlightenmentinAction[Righteousness] 9Nirvana 11All-ComprehensiveTruth,CompassionatelyExpressed 11

TheFourEnnoblingTruths 11TheEnnoblingEightfoldPath 11ResultsofEnlightenedAction 12TenCardinalErrorsandWhereTheyOriginate 12TenNegativesandPositivesofBuddhistLiving 12TheFour-foldStruggleforPerfection 14TheFiveMoralPowerstobeCultivated 14TheBuddhistWayofLife 15ABuddhist’sReactiontoLife 18

Notes 21

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