Title-Facts Concerning Five Moral Precepts (#1 -Facts Concerning “Panatipata Precept”) Panatipata means killing any living being with intention. All Buddhists should know detailed factors of judgment concerned with Panatipata hence most Buddhists know only generally. Five Factors of “Panatipata” (1) The one to be killed is a living being. (2) One knows that the one to be killed is a living being. (3) One has the volition or intention to kill. (4) One makes the effort to kill. (5) The being dies because of that effort and action. The main cause for killing is the volition associated with anger (dosa). Any action performed in accordance with the above five factors is called Panatipata Kamma. The perpetrator will suffer the bad consequences in this life and he will also be reborn in the four miserable realms after his death. If any one of the above five factors is missing, the action cannot be called Panatipata Kamma. For instance, if one steps accidentally on insects and kills them as one walks along the road, one does not commit Panatipata Kamma because this incident happens unintentionally. Great & Small Offences Furthermore, the offence of killing a living being may be great or small depending on different situations. According to the size and moral practice of the victim, the offence may be great or small. With regard to animals naturally, lacking in morality, if the size of the animal is small, the offence is small; if the size of the animal is large, the offence is great. With regard to human beings, if the victim is of low morality, concentration and wisdom, the offence is small; if the victim is of high morality, high concentration and great wisdom, the offence is great. Where the victims are of equal size and of equal morality, the offence is small if the killer’s motive and effort are weak, and the offence is great if the killer’s motive and effort are strong. The Consequences of Killing Sentient Beings Whosoever kills any living being will be reborn in one of the four lower abodes after death. Even when he is free from there and is again reborn as a man, he will encounter the following evil consequences: (1) Having physical deformities and disfigurements, (2) Being ugly, (3) Being pale and feeble, (4) Being dull and inactive, (5) Being easily frightened when confronted with danger, (6) Being killed by other or facing death in youth, (7) Suffering from many diseases, (8) Having few friends, and (9) Being separated from beloved ones. On the other hand the one who abstains from killing sentient beings will enjoy the benefits which are the opposite of the above consequences. The Benefits of Abstaining from Killing A person who abstains from killing any living being will be reborn after his death in a good destination either as a human being or as a celestial being. If he is reborn as a man, he will possess good health, longevity, etc. All living beings are afraid of death. So, everyone should refrain from torturing and killing others by being considerate to them. One who abstains from killing others, will enjoy the following benefits: (1) He has no physical deformities and disfigurements. (2) He has good complexion in his future existences. (3) He is fit and strong. (4) He is quick and active. (5) He is brave when confronted with danger. (6) He never gets killed by others. (7) He is free from diseases. (8) He has a large number of followers. (9) He enjoys longevity. Doc Version Here In My Group: https://facebook/notes/buddhism-for-beginners/title-facts-concerning-five-moral-precepts1-facts-concerning-panatipata-precept/829148290475294
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 18:52:01 +0000