The Zennist

The Five Precepts of Buddhism as temptations

Reframing the Five Precepts of Buddhism as temptations rather than just rules of behavior, provides a fresh perspective on ethical conduct that might resonate more with contemporary discussions on personal development and moral philosophy. Here's how these precepts, viewed as temptations, could guide modern ethical behavior:

1. Temptation of Violence: Instead of "taking the life of a living being," consider this as the broader temptation towards violence or harm. This includes not just physical harm but also psychological or emotional violence. The challenge here is to manage anger, frustration, or any form of rage that might lead to harmful actions against others or oneself.
2. Temptation of Greed: Reinterpreted from stealing, this temptation involves not just taking what isn't given but also encompasses greed, exploitation, or any form of gain at others' expense. It's about resisting the urge to accumulate or possess beyond one's needs, promoting fairness and respect for others' property and rights.
3. Temptation of Lust: Sexual misconduct can be seen as yielding to the temptation of lust or exploitation in sexual relationships. This precept encourages respect for mutual consent, dignity, and the sanctity of relationships, urging individuals to avoid actions that harm others or oneself emotionally or physically.
4. Temptation of Deceit: False speech translates into the broader temptation towards deceit, manipulation, or any form of dishonesty. This includes lying, exaggerating, or misleading others for personal gain or to avoid discomfort. The challenge is to uphold truthfulness and integrity in all forms of communication.
5. Temptation of Indulgence: Intoxication isn't just about avoiding drugs or alcohol but resisting the temptation to indulge excessively in anything that clouds judgment or leads to dependency. This could include over-indulgence in food, entertainment, or even work, which might impair one's moral judgment or health.

By viewing these as temptations, it shifts the focus from mere avoidance of acts to a proactive engagement with one's desires and moral compass. This approach encourages self-awareness and self-control, promoting a life of mindfulness where one consciously chooses actions that lead to personal growth and societal harmony. It's about understanding the root causes of these temptations within oneself and striving towards a balanced, ethical existence. This perspective could be particularly appealing in modern contexts where personal development and mindfulness are increasingly valued.

Escape from samsaric recycling

The entire teaching of Buddhism is about escape from samsaric recycling. Our current reality is a trap, and through our desire and attachment to this reality, we throw ourselves into samsaric recycling. Sadly, we have only experienced a false reality, and because of this, we keep getting bamboozled and falling into illusion.

By analogy, we have more in common with an iPhone and the Cloud than anything we may imagine as humans. But there is more. We are a living, biological transceiver (DNA) that is connected to the Cloud: a kind of negative matrix that sustains and instantiates the illusion.

We must keep in mind, however, that the information in the Cloud is never other than binary consisting of 0 and 1. This is a duality that is responsible for our entrapment. Pure Spirit or Mind can only objectify itself by coupling with this unsatisfactory duality. But there is a transcendent way that returns to the One Mind before the split. In Buddhism, it is nirvana.