What rules does Buddhism have?

Answer 1

There are no rules or laws that must be followed in Buddhism, but there are suggestions about behaviors that are more conducive to achieving happiness than others. These are the ten precepts: Don't kill Don't steal Don't engage in illicit sex Don't speak divisively Don't speak abusively Don't tell lies Don't engage in idle gossip Abandon ill will Abandon greed Cultivate right views. Monks and nuns can take a variety of vows, so there are rules for them to follow.

Answer 2

There are no laws or Rules or commandments in Buddhism. The Buddha indicated that we should live ethically and morally; therefore there are things that should be avoided, since they hinder us from reaching enlightenment. These are called the Five Precepts, which are:

1) Avoid taking the life of any sentient being

2) Avoid taking anything that is not given (no stealing)

3) Avoid sexual misconduct

4) Avoid lying, or any harmful speech.

5) Abstain from taking intoxicants

Mahayana Buddhists have also added a few precepts. These are called the Ten Grand Precepts. The additions to the list above are:

6) Not talking about others' errors and faults

7) Not elevating oneself and blaming others

8) Not being stingy

9) Not being angry

10) Not speaking ill of the Three Treasures (The Buddha, The Dharma and the

Sangha)

The Precepts are connected to the ethical conduct parts (3, 4 & 5) of what The Buddha called the Eight Fold Path, which is:

1) Right View or Understanding - See and understand things as they really are.

2) Right Intention - Commitment to ethical and mental improvement

3) Right Speech - See precept 4, 6 & 7 and include avoiding idle chatter.

4) Right Action - See precepts 1, 2, 3 and 5.

5) Right Livelihood - Hold a job which does not bring pain, suffering or death to others.

6) Right Effort / Endeavor - To make the continuous effort to abandon all wrong

or harmful words and actions.

7) Right Mindfulness - To see things with a clear consciousness without our

preconceived notions.

8) Right Concentration - Development of mental concentration, which is an

important aspect of mindfulness.

So if we followed The Buddha's advice we would have a much more peaceful and harmonious existence.

Answer 3

1. Right/correct understanding
2. Right/correct thinking
3. Right/correct speech (talking)
4. Right/correct handeling (doing things)
5. Right/correct living
6. Right/correct efforts
7. Right/correct attention
8. Right/correct concentraion

These form the Noble 8-fold path

Meditation is highly recommended and is standard practice.

Through meditation one can achieve the understanding of the 8-fold path

Answer 4

Buddhism isn't a "have to obey rules" organization. As a primary consieration, there is no god to set out such a set of absolute moral precepts. The path to enlightenment is found over the course of may lifetimes. Each person is responsible for his or her own rrogress. To help there are guidelines contained in the Eightfold Path on how to lead a more skillful life. These are suggestions not "do it or be damned" positions as given in the Christian faith's 10 Commandments.

Answer 5

Our Codes of Conduct are defined by the Five Precepts; which are

1) Abstain from harming any living (sentient) beings

2) Abstain from taking things not freely given (no stealing)

3) Abstain from sexual misconduct.

4) Abstain from speaking falsely about someone, idle chatter and gossip

5) Abstain from taking intoxicants.

For Mahayana Buddhists (those who have dedicated their lives to helping all other sentient beings), we have another 5 precepts to add to the above list. These are:

6) Abstain from talking about another's errors and faults

7) Abstain from elevating oneself and blaming others

8) Abstain from being stingy

9) Abstain from being angry.

10) Abstain from speaking ill of the Three Treasures (The Buddha, The

Dharma and the Sangha).

Please note that these are not commandments. These are goals that we strive for. If we do something we shouldn't we try to avoid beating ourselves up or being harsh on ourselves and instead reflect on our reason we did what we shouldn't and reset our intention to act appropriately.

Answer 6

There is no "must" in Buddhism. All guidelines are suggestions that, if followed, lead to an opportunity to become enlightened and escape the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. These guidelines are laid out in the Eightfold Path. The cycles before enlightenment are numberless and countless so there is an expectation that not everyone gets it right the first time, the millionth time or the billionth time. That is to say, no one ever "follows the rules" all the time.The suggested way of life is to avoid lust and cruelty; be kind, hardworking, honest, truthful, and seek to improve yourself.

No need to follow a special diet, wear special clothes, make pilgrimages, attend services on a regular basis or spread the word.

Answer 7

Buddhism is very rule free. The precepts like the Eightfold Path are guidelines and suggestions not rules. After all your path tho enlightenment is your path to enlightenment. your failure to use the guidance to your advantage is your loss. No divine interventon (punishment or rewrd) follows from doing it your way. At the same time being caught in the cycle of death and re-birth with its accompanying suffering is not fun and there is adesire tomoveforward towards Nirvana.

Answer 8

There aren't rules in Buddhism that are like the ten commandments of Christianity. In Christianity the religion's god is claimed to have stated "These are my rules, if you break them I'll damn you forever". In Buddhism the Buddha has established suggestions on leading a more skillful ife (The Eightfold Path) which would have less suffering and less unhappiness). If you do npt follow the guidelines you will have more unhappiness or pain and take longer to become enlightened.

Answer 9

There are no rules in Buddhism. There are only precepts. One can obey them if they like