5 Precepts - A Discussion

A couple of days back, a few of us discussed on the 5 precepts over the forum. Would like to share it as it was a good discussion and one of our mates, quietfight, posted a very good question,

"After a person participates in a ceremony to take Refuge in the Triple Gems to commit to adhering to the 5 Precepts, what happens when the person breaches precepts ? For example, commit adultery in a moment of weakness or run over a cat while driving ?"

Below was my reply based on my understanding of the Dhamma,

"As with all other actions and decisions we take in life, there will naturally be its effects and consequences, that is one of the basic laws of kamma.

Whether or not a person undertakes the precepts or not, by committing adultery, the person and all the individuals involved will naturally be visited by the effects of adultery and we all know that the effects can be ruinous to those involved and their families. The same goes for running over a cat while driving, kamma will visit but for this, it depends on the situation - was it an intentional act or was it unintentional?

One note to bear in mind is that kamma is stronger when the act is intentional. Since undertaking the 5 precepts was an intentional act, we know that the kamma will be stronger one breaks the precepts compared to one that has not undertaken the vows. Let's view it this way - since the person has taken the vows, i believe the person will mostly be a man or woman of conscience. As such when breaking it (especially intentionally), he or she will know that a precept has been broken and by their conscience, he or she will suffer more mentally in addition whatever material or physical effects the actions may bear.

Maybe as a quick guide to the decisions we make with reference to the 5 precepts is to revisit the intentions of Buddha when he prescribed the precepts for lay people who came to listen to his teachings. It is to promote and foster good, healthy living where it will help one to develop wisdom, compassion and love, bringing joy and happiness to one's families and communities.

With this constantly borne in mind, we should seek to foster an environment when we can uphold the 5 precepts better. Example, prior to committing the adultery in a moment of weakness as you mentioned, conducive conditions and environment must have existed for the situation to happen. Such as being alone together or getting drunk, acting in a moment of stupor. In this case, if the person had constantly remembered Buddha's teachings, the person will know better than to allow conditions and environment to develop further till the siuation is as such and cannot be salvaged.

Afterall, how does one consume alcohol in a fruit juice bar?

By the way, below is link to a good read on kamma
What Karma Is

The Gift of Dhamma Exceeds All Gifts"

If you are interested in the full discussion, here's the link to the forum on this:
http://www.sgclub.com/singapore/clarification_5_precepts_139165.html