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Yoshida Shokanji International School

Takiko Yoshida Mawatha, Sapugaskanda.

Second Term- Assignment III

Grade 7 - Buddhism

Let’s Enrich our Life with House-hold Eight Precepts (Ājiva Atthamaka Sīla)

Copy the notes to your writing book.

2nd Term

There are many living beings in this world. Some of them are visible to all some not. Humans

are also a kind of living being.

If we observe the beings in our surrounding, we can see many similes between the other beings

and the man.

Man needs foods for survival so as the other animals. Man sleeps in order to get a rest so as

the other animals. Man seeks for protection so as other animals. Man fear at punishment and

death even the animals.

What would be the difference between man and the other animals? Man has a religion but

animals do not have a religion. Animals do not go to schools and get education. They do not

do sports, do not go to temples or they don’t know the good and bad but the man does.

Religion provides a great influence towards the civilized society. Sri Lankan society is

nurtured by Buddha Dhamma. Our culture, manners, attitudes, ethics are influenced by the

Buddhism.

The Buddha had teach different precepts for house –holders and the Bhikkus. some of them

are:

1. Pañcasīla – For house-holders to observe in their day to day life.

2. Ājiva Atthamaka Sīla - House-holders to observe in their day to day life.

3. Atthanga Sīla - House-holders to observe on Poya days.

4. Guhasta Dasa Sīla - House-holders to observe on Poya days.

The ajiva -atthamaka precepts too contain eight precepts in all, but are slightly different

from the eight precepts that we observe on poya days. They being abstinence from killing,

from taking anything not given, from indulgence in wrongful behavior, from uttering

falsehood, malicious speech harsh speech, frivolous talk, and from improper livelihood.

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1. Pānātipātā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from killing and injuring living things

Conducting a virtuous life by oneself is a great service to the society. Refraining from

killing living beings is not only keeping a precept but protecting others life too. All the beings

will be able to live without fear as life is dear to all.

2. adinnādānā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from taking that which is not given

Stealing means taking somebody else’s belongings. Refraining from stealing sounds the

protection of others wealth or properties. We don’t like to lose anything belong to us. so as

the others.

3. Kāmesu micchācārā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from sexual misconduct and excessive sensuality.

The third precept helps to conduct a good family life. No wife or husband like to see that

his/her wife/husband going with another. This precept helps not only to develop trust in the

society but it prevent some diseases too

4. Musa'Musāvādā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from false and harmful speech.

Observing the 4th precept develops the trustworthiness amongst each other in the society.

People can believe each other when people use to talk only what is truth. We don’t like to

get cheated by others. So as everyone else.

5. Pisunāvācā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from malicious talk

Malicious talk or backbiting is very bad as well as dangerous. This type of speech create

fights, conflicts among people. Even Ahinsaka became a fearful murderer because of the

malicious talk of his friends. He was then known as Angulimāla.

6. Pharusāvācā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from using harsh or abusive speech

Harsh words make the others unhappy, angry and hurt the others. We should never talk

harsh words to others. Because it brings defame to us. One who talk pleasant words will

gain the fame and good name in the society.

7. Samphappalapā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from useless or meaningless conversation

This type of speeches are useless to oneself or the others. It is not beneficial to the life here

or hereafter. The Buddha advised to His disciples to talk only what is necessary.

8. Micchājiva veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi

I undertake the Precept to refrain from wrong means of livelihood

The last precept determines the correct livelihood. One should earn living by a correct

occupation. This is called righteous living. The Buddha states about righteous living even

in Mahā Mangala Sutta too (anavajjāni kammāni)

Exercise

1. Name the similes and difference between the man and the other beings.

2. Write down the Attāngasīla

3. Mention the steps that you follow when observing sil