Happy Birthday Buddha Purnima 2024: Panchsheel is the basis of Buddhist ethics. We begin morality by identifying our bad behavior and trying to stop it. This is what these five precepts are for. When we stop doing bad, then we start doing good. Buddha says that first we must avoid lying. Next we must speak the truth. Next we must speak softly and humbly and at the right time.
The precepts of Panchsheel are taken voluntarily, usually in a formal ceremony. In the Abhisanda Sutta, the Buddha calls the five precepts the five great gifts. The Panchsheel principles fall under the Eightfold Path of right speech, right action and right livelihood. They are necessary conditions for increasing concentration and wisdom.
By practising the precepts, we become more attentive to our body and speech, leading us to mental peace and clarity and, ultimately, freedom from suffering. Panchsheel is a commitment to abstain from killing living beings, stealing, sexual abuse, lying and intoxication. Within Buddhist doctrine, their purpose is to develop the mind and character to progress on the path to enlightenment. The Five Precepts are the basic ethical guidelines taught by the Buddha for ordinary practitioners.
