The foundation of practicing Buddhism: observing five precepts

学佛修行基础：修行遵守五条戒律

Cultivation needs to restrain oneself. Only by calming down and keeping clean can we improve wisdom.

------Zhuge Changqing

The five precepts are five precepts or codes of conduct.

The five precepts in Buddhism are:

One is not to kill, two is not to steal, three is not to be lewd, four is not to talk, five is not to drink.

These five precepts are the basic precepts of the four disciples of Buddhism. They must be observed no matter when they are monks or at home.

Zhuge Changqing believes that the most important thing for earthly cultivation is to keep oneself clean and wisdom clean.

Observing the five precepts is the basic method of practice.

1、 Don't kill

"The Theory of Great Wisdom" said: "Among all other crimes, killing karma is the most serious."

Killing, killing, injuring and disfiguring is a violation of the precept of killing.

Buddhism is based on compassion. Compassion means that we have compassion and can't bear to kill all living beings. We should have the same compassion as Buddha when we learn Buddhism. We should know that the sabre disaster is caused by the countless killing of human beings since the human disaster.

Zen Master Cishou said: "There are many people who kill lives in the world, so there are sabres and soldiers who rob you, kill you, burn your house in debt of money, separate your wife, and once break his nest. The retribution is equal, and listen to the Buddha." So the maintenance of social order and the guarantee of human survival depend on everyone to abide by "no killing". Therefore, "no killing" is not only the first commandment of Buddhism, but also an important law of the country.

The basic concept of Buddhism is that all living beings are equal. Buddha said that all living beings have Buddha nature and can become Buddhas. The sentient beings mentioned by the Buddha are not only human beings, but also the wet eggs of the fetus, including all the four beings. Therefore, the killing precepts do not only harm people's lives, but also animals, insects and ants. Not only abstain from direct killing, but also abstain from killing because of predestination; For example, fishers and hunters are killed directly, while those who sell fishing gear and nets are also killed indirectly.

Buddha said in the "Ten Kinds of Karma Tao Sutra" that there are ten kinds of interests in not killing animals. First, to all sentient beings, and to be fearless. 2、 Always be merciful to all living beings; 3、 Always break all habits of anger. 4、 The body is often free from disease. 5、 Long life. 6、 It is always guarded by non-human beings. 7、 Always have no nightmares, and sleep happily. 8、 Eliminate the grievance knot, and all the grievances will be solved. 9、 There is no evil or fear. Ten, life is a lifetime.

Or some people say that Buddhism abstains from killing. If the riot invades, won't they stretch their necks and wait for death? In fact, it is not true that the Buddha precepts hurt life with one's own selfish desire. As for the defense of the country by taking action, it is the manifestation of compassion and courage. The Dafa Drum Sutra says: "For example, when the king of Persia fought with the enemy, the soldiers there were soldiers who ate their husbands and were not brave, and were not named husbands." From this, it can be seen that Buddhism's abstinence from killing did not hinder the defense of the country.

2、 Don't steal

For example, Volume 13 of the Theory of Great Wisdom says that theft has ten crimes: "One is the owner of the property is often angry, the other is suspicious, the three are not measured when they are not acting, the four are friends with the villains, far away from the good and good, the five are breaking the good, the six are offended by the officials, the seven are not involved in the property, the eight are poor karma, the nine are dead in the dungeon, the ten are industrious for money, the five are in common, if the king, if the thief, if the water, if the son is not used, and even buried."

It can be seen from this that the result of theft is so cruel, how can we not be afraid to wake up! Why is theft so important to Buddhism and worldly law? Because human nature, from the beginning to the end, has the habit of greed, and attaches great importance to gold, silver, jewelry and property.

The Buddhist scripture says, "If you do not cooperate with others, it is theft." If you take others' property for yourself without authorization, it is theft. Speaking of money, who doesn't like it? However, "A gentleman loves money in a proper way."

All property that does not belong to us, even if it is only a tiny bit, should not be taken casually. We should engage in all kinds of legitimate businesses, and the price we get for our hard work is just right. If you get something for nothing, it is no different from stealing.

There are direct, indirect, tangible and intangible theft in society. For example, theft by thieves and robbery by robbers are direct theft; The corruption of corrupt officials is indirect theft; Extortion, fraud, and repudiation of debts are tangible theft; Seeking fish in troubled waters is invisible theft.

In a word, property taken without cooperation or obtained by improper means is called theft.

Buddha said that there are ten kinds of benefits in not stealing: first, the accumulation of wealth, the fire and water of the king's thief, and the non-loving son cannot be dispersed. 2、 Many people love it. 3、 People don't bully. 4、 Praise from all sides. 5、 Without prejudice. 6、 Good names spread widely. 7、 People are fearless. 8、 Money, life, lust, power, and happiness, and eloquence. 9、 Always give. 10、 Life is a lifetime.

Stealing is not a good thing. It is well known. In Buddhism, no matter in the home precepts or in the monastic precepts, there is a theft precept, and it is convicted of serious crimes. Whether ancient or modern, the laws of all countries in the world strictly prohibit theft. As long as it is theft, whether it is secret theft or open robbery, it is a violation of the law, a theft, and subject to legal sanctions. But in today's society, some people, for their own benefit, have no conscience, robbed homes, embezzled and accepted bribes, cheated taxes, and other activities, all belong to theft, which leads to social chaos. Everyone looks at money, pollutes people's hearts, creates chaos, and should know that theft is very serious.

The Buddhist precept of not stealing means that we should get rid of greed and be content with less desire, because contentment will make us happy, and naturally we will not commit theft. If everyone develops the virtue of not stealing, social security will naturally be good, and everyone will be safe to go out, and life and property will be guaranteed.

3、 Don't be evil and lustful

Among the four disciples of Buddhism, there are two kinds of monks at home. The monks simply abstain from prostitution, while those at home only abstain from prostitution. The so-called lewdness refers to the intercourse outside the official spouse, as well as the non-temporal and non-temporal intercourse. In addition, it is also prohibited to enter into the dance halls, song halls and brothels that are sufficient for the cause of prostitution.

Buddha said that if you are away from evil, you also have the following benefits:

1、 Adjust the roots smoothly. 2、 Never leave the noise. 3、 The world marvels. 4、 Ann can't invade. From a secular perspective, for the sake of family happiness, couples should respect each other and respect industry. In terms of society, the combination of men and women must comply with the laws of the country and the social morality. If the laws and social morality are not passed, the family may cause trouble and also cause trouble to the society.

Now, the disharmony of the family is often due to the abnormal relationship between men and women. For example, "men hide their beauty in their golden houses, and women fall out of love" are all caused by sexual immorality, which can lead to family destruction and death in serious cases. As the old saying goes, "All evil and lewdness are the first, and all good and filial piety are the first."

Throughout the ages, there have been countless examples of this, all due to lust and lust. It can be seen from this that the scourge of lust is very great. All wise people should stay away from lust, like a fire pit.

The Eighth Master Sutra says: "Lust is not pure behavior, which confuses the wrong way, dispels the fear of the soul, hurts the life and flies to the sky, suffers from obstinate ignorance, and returns to the evil way after death. I abandoned the Jiale Mountain because I was afraid of it." Therefore, the Buddhist discipline allows the normal relationship between the Buddhist husband and wife at home. As long as everyone abides by the precepts of no evil and lewdness, the world society will naturally be peaceful and peaceful.

4、 Don't talk falsely

Zhuge Changqing: Malicious lies are lies, while white lies are wisdom. In order to do good, avoid others' tongues and tell lies, which is good and convenient, without sin. For example, on the way to release life, it is OK to be afraid that others will say you are superstitious, lie and go out to play, etc.

Defamation, breach of trust, perjury and intimidation are false words;

That is, the industry of keeping mouth. Since we are Buddhists, we need to cultivate our noble personality. One person's speech is related to the reputation of our whole life. So when we get along with others, we should be based on integrity and speak with the same heart. Let others believe in us, and praise and encourage others.

If a person is always lying and has no credit, who will believe him? Therefore, we have to be careful about the export industry. The Chinese ancients said, "Keep your word and be honest." That is the truth. Buddhist delusions are not only of specific significance, but also pay more attention to the truth of being honest.

The Ten Lands Sutra says: "A man who speaks truthfully has a straight heart and is easy to avoid suffering. For example, a thick forest pulls a tree, and a straight man is easy to get out of it. A man who speaks falsely has no law in his heart, so it is difficult to get rid of it." When the Buddha was alive, Rahula used to serve the Buddha when he was young, and he was happy with the falsehood. People came to ask him, is the Buddha there? He regards reality as vanity, vanity as reality, and vanity is reversed. Many people have been taken advantage of, and someone went to tell the Buddha. After the Buddha's admonition, I dare not speak falsely all my life. Another example is the Shurangama Sutra, which says: "For example, civilians, who call themselves emperors, will kill themselves." In the end, they will only hurt themselves and lose their virtue. It's useless to hurt yourself and others. It is false to see without words, to see without words, to fake and exaggerate, and to cover up with words. False words not only deceive others, but also deceive themselves.

The Buddha said that if he is away from the delusion, he has the following benefits: First, his mouth is always clean, and his flowers are fragrant. 2、 It is subdued by the world. 3、 The speech proved to be true. 4、 Always comfort all living beings with loving words. 5、 Success means happiness, and three industries are pure. 6、 Words are unmistakable. 7、 Speak respectfully and follow the principle of human nature. 8、 Wisdom is superior to incompetence.

5、 Don't drink

Zhuge Changqing: People who "study Buddhism at home" should control alcohol, but it is also OK to have to drink for business entertainment. It's OK not to drink indiscriminately. "Family members" should abstain from alcohol.

Alcohol will be disorderly and make people lose their senses. They should not be sober and confused. Once alcohol poisoning occurs, it will often lead to life danger. There are many crimes caused by drinking, such as accidents caused by drunken driving, and fights caused by drunken driving.

Some people think that drinking wine with net wealth is not harmful to people. Why is it also listed as a commandment? Little does it know that wine can be disorderly. Many crimes in the world are mediated by wine.

According to the Law of the Four Divisions, there are more than ten thirty-six losses in drinking, such as bad color, lack of prestige, damage to reputation, loss of wisdom, illness, loss of money, shamelessness, disrespect, falling into a car, falling into the water, and so on. A wise man raises one and turns three, which shows that wine is harmful.

Although drinking is not a crime, it is easy for people to commit a crime. There is a story in the Buddhist scripture that a believer of the Five Commandments, who has always kept the precepts very clean, went home from outside one day because he was thirsty. When he saw a bowl of wine on the table, he thought it was water, and drank it down, he knew it was wine, but he still drank up a bowl of wine. Because of the stimulation of alcohol, he lost his rational control, and saw a chicken passing through his house from the next door, When he lost his reason, he stole the chicken and killed it, and made some food and drink, thus committing the two commandments of stealing and killing. The neighbor's wife lost the chicken and asked him. He saw the neighbor's wife was extremely beautiful and had a lustful lust. He raped her on impulse. Later, others asked him, and he said he didn't do it. In this way, he committed the two precepts of obscenity and recklessness. He drank a bowl of wine and even committed the five precepts in succession. From this, we can see that the sin of wine is huge! That's why the Buddha made the precept of not drinking.

The fault of breaking the precepts

Because you can obtain incredible merit and virtue by keeping the precepts in a clean way, the mistakes you get after breaking the precepts will also bring you endless bad results. Just as a person who breaks the law of the country will be punished by the law, the person who accepts the precepts will also be punished by the law of cause and effect and the law guardian after breaking the precepts. Among Buddhist disciples, there are differences in the faults of breaking the precepts, whether at home or as a monk, but the faults of breaking the fundamental precepts are the same, because everyone is equal before cause and effect.

The precepts are the fundamental spirit of Buddhism and must be fully adhered to by the disciples of Buddhism, otherwise the goal of liberation cannot be achieved. The Dharma Hua Sutra says, "Keeping the precepts is like protecting the pearl." After we have received the five precepts, we should take them well, so that we can get the real benefits of Buddhism. The scripture also said: "Faith is the ability to enter, and discipline is the ability to measure." We learn Buddhism for liberation, so we must follow the Dharma holding style, so as to eliminate the existing troubles, and also melt the future results, improve our personality, and achieve great freedom. Although the contribution of civilization has satisfied people's ever-increasing expanding material desire, on the other hand, guided by civilization, people use intelligence to control nature, and to produce more and more goods for utilitarianism seems to be the highest goal of human life. People design machines, and machines design people. Individuals are swallowed up by strong self-centeredness and dissatisfaction with power and wealth. Everything is self-centered, and even "those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish", and "those who do not serve themselves, the devil takes the hindmost". For the enjoyment at that time, he violated the precepts and behaviors at all costs and lost his personality, so the "Fugai Zhengxing Sutra" said: "The person who broke the precepts is unworthy, like the broken car, unable to carry." Not only did it damage the reputation of the Buddha disciples, but also destroyed the confidence of many good believers, especially the dignity of the Three Treasures.

Among the five precepts, killing theft and lust is the root. The drinking precepts belong to the covering precepts. The wine itself has no sin. Many people think that the wine is made of rice, and the wine is not meat. Why not drink? Because wine can disrupt nature and destroy life, and many bad things and evil things are caused by drinking. From ancient times to the present, human tragedies have not gone beyond the scope of killing, stealing and lusting, and the crimes caused by drinking. King Zhou, the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty, liked to drink wine and make a forest of wine and meat. Because of the intoxication of wine and lust, he was cruel and unscrupulous. He cut the belly of a pregnant woman, split the shin of a pedestrian, burned the heart of a monk, and finally set himself on fire in Lutai.

According to the Zhongahan Sutra, "breaking a precept has its disadvantages: first, failing to seek money, second, failing to set it up, third, not being respected by others, fourth, being notorious, and fifth, dying in hell." The person who breaks the precept has a bad reputation in the present world, and will have endless consequences in the future.

The merit and virtue of holding the five precepts

The five precepts are the basis for keeping away from all evil laws and growing all good laws. Strictly holding the five precepts is the basis for obtaining all precepts and proving all merits and holy fruits. The precepts are the nectar that the Buddha exudes from his great compassion to purify people's body and mind, and are the fundamental guarantee for the Buddhist disciples to get out. In the Compendium of Discipline, Master Shengyan used the five precepts as a passport to man and nature. The five precepts are the principles of life. If you can accept the five precepts, you can keep yourself safe. The precepts have unique merits and virtues in the study of Buddhism. The so-called precepts are the residence of all good virtues and virtues. Only when people stop evil can they do good. Only when they have the heart to do good can they further seek relief.

Therefore, the Yingluo Book of Karma says: "All living beings, who have just entered the Sanbao Sea, are based on faith, live in Buddhism, and are based on precepts." The greatest benefit in the world is to learn the Buddha's life and death, and achieve Bodhi. If we want to achieve such a good method, we must adhere to precepts. "The theory of clarity" says: "precepts can produce various benefits, which means that good laws are born in the world." The birth of good laws in the world should be based on keeping precepts.

By following the five precepts, you can stay away from the obstacles of practicing good laws and have the favorable conditions to increase good laws. "The Five Precepts of the Yogasai Sutra" says: "If a good man does not violate the precepts, he will take the karma as the Buddha's way." So the Sutra says that the five precepts are the most solemn and the most delicate treasure in the world. The third volume of the "Yobosa Sutra" reads: "Good man! The Yobosa Sutra is named Yingluo and solemn. Its fragrance is subtle, smokes without boundaries, covers the bad law, and is good law, which is the supreme treasure."

Many people want to have a dignified appearance. They try their best to be dignified with various decorations, but this is not the most fundamental way. If we want to have a dignified appearance by nature, we must keep precepts. The Sutra of Saghani Ganzi says, "If you don't keep the precepts, you can't even be scabbed, let alone get the body of merit and virtue." A person who can't keep the precepts is bound to degenerate. Even the ugly and lowly people can't get it, let alone the body of solemn love? The Earth Holding Sutra says: "Thirty-two phases, regardless of the reason, are all obtained by holding the precepts." If you don't hold the precepts, you can't be a bitch. Let's report it to you. Thirty-two faces are recognized as noble faces in India, so to speak, perfect faces. A person who holds the precepts can move 32 phases. The Great Wisdom Theory says: "Although a man is poor, if he can keep the precepts, he will be widely known and respected by the people of heaven." A man who keeps the precepts, even if he has no status and wealth, his reputation can spread to distant places and be respected by the people of heaven. From this, we can see that holding the five precepts has all kinds of merits and virtues. It can be seen that precepts can produce all kinds of extraordinary merits and virtues. We should respect precepts and admire ancient sages. As long as we follow the five precepts of Buddhism, our world will be the pure land of the world.

To sum up, the precepts are very important in the study of Buddhism. If you want to get rid of life and death and seek liberation, you should take the precepts as the basis. The Sutra of Relics says, "Without the precepts, all good deeds and virtues will not be born." The precepts are the beginning of all good deeds on the voyage across the bitter sea. In the current human world, if everyone can adhere to the Five Commandments, then the society can eliminate the tragedies that threaten the world, such as war, theft, murder, fraud, corruption, adultery, and the collapse of the country.

significance

Although the five precepts are divided into five, the fundamental spirit is inviolability; You can be free if you respect others without violating them. For example, if you don't kill, you don't infringe on others' lives; Not stealing means not infringing on others' property; Not to be lewd means not to infringe on the integrity of others; Not to talk falsely means not to infringe upon the reputation of others; Don't drink, that is, don't hurt your own reason, so don't invade others. The common people always think that taking the precepts is to increase the restraint, so some people say: Why take the precepts and ask for the restraint! In fact, anyone who is in prison and loses his freedom has violated the Five Commandments by exploring the reasons.

For example, embezzlement, embezzlement, theft, extortion, robbery and kidnappings are crimes of theft; Rape, whoring with prostitutes, kidnapping and bigamy are crimes of immorality; Defamation, breach of trust, perjury and intimidation are false words; Dealing in drugs, taking drugs, transporting drugs, smoking cigarettes and alcohol, etc., is a violation of the drinking ban. Because of the five precepts, he was in prison and lost his freedom. Therefore, taking precepts is also law-abiding. Only those who can take the five precepts and truly understand them can enjoy real freedom. Therefore, the true meaning of precepts is freedom, not bondage.

Some people believe that it is inevitable to break the precepts after taking them, and there will be no fear of breaking the precepts without taking them. In fact, even if you break the precepts after receiving the precepts, because you have a sense of shame, know how to repent, and have a small sin, you still have a chance to get away with it. Those who do not obey the precepts commit the precepts, do not repent, and their sins are aggravated. Therefore, they fall into the three evil ways. Therefore, it is better to take precepts and repent than not to take precepts, because only by taking precepts can we have the chance to live. Without taking precepts, we will never be able to become Buddha. Besides, not being disciplined doesn't mean not to be disciplined if you do something wrong. If you are not disciplined, you are still guilty, and still cannot escape the karma.

Benefits of the five precepts

The acceptance of the five precepts is the basis of humanity, and the five precepts have something in common with the five constancy of Confucianism. The five constancy are benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and faith. Don't kill people, don't steal people, don't lust people, don't believe people, don't drink people. A person who receives the five precepts will have endless benefits. The third volume of the "Guanding Sutra" says that when we receive the five precepts, we will feel the protection of 25 good gods. Volume VI of the "Moonlight Samadhi Sutra" records that those who hold precepts and purity can gain ten benefits: 1. satisfy all wisdom, 2. learn as the Buddha has learned, 3. the wise will not destroy, 4. never retreat from vows, 5. live in peace, 6. abandon life and death, 7. seek the medicine of nirvana, 8. have no worries, 9. win samadhi, 10. have no lack of faith and wealth.

In addition, if we do not kill animals but protect them, we can naturally obtain health and longevity; Give without stealing, and you will naturally be rich and enjoy wealth; Don't be lewd and respect the integrity of others, so that the natural family is harmonious and happy; If you praise others without false words, you will naturally get a good reputation; Don't drink and stay away from the temptation of drugs, naturally healthy, intelligent and clear.

Therefore, by following the Five Commandments, we can avoid suffering and terror in this world, and gain freedom, peace, harmony and happiness in body and mind; In the future, we can avoid falling into three evil ways, get human and natural rewards, and even become Buddha. Taking the five precepts is like planting seeds in the field of blessings. Even if you don't ask for them, you will naturally have many benefits and enjoy endless merits and good results.

The acceptance of the five precepts

The five precepts are accepted as long as possible, not one day and one night. The five precepts can be accepted in full or in part. For example, the second volume of the "Theory of Ten Habits" quoted the "Theory of Great Wisdom" as saying: 'There are five kinds of precepts, never killing at first, and even not drinking. If you receive one precept, you will receive one point of fame, if you receive two or three precepts, you will receive less points of fame, if you receive four precepts, you will receive more points of fame, and if you receive five precepts, you will receive full points of fame. In this division, you can always accept whatever you want. '

It can be seen from this that everyone who lives at home can choose the first, second, and even the third and fourth precepts that are easy to accept according to their own situation, and gradually achieve the completion of the five precepts. He even further abides by the eight-guard fasting, Bodhisattva precepts and so on, so that he can naturally gain more life, determine the outcome, and even Mahayana Buddha.

修行需要约束自己，只有平心静气、洁身自好，才能提高智慧。

------ 诸葛长青

   五戒是五条戒律或行为准则。

   佛教中的五戒是：

    一不杀生，二不偷盗，三不邪淫，四不妄语，五不饮酒。 

   这五戒，是佛门四众弟子的基本戒，不论出家在家皆须遵守。

    诸葛长青认为，凡尘修行，最需要的是保持自身的清洁、智慧的清洁。

    遵守五戒，是修行的基本方法。

   一、不杀生戒

   《大智度论》云：“诸余罪中，杀业最重。”

   杀生、杀人、伤害、毁容，是犯了杀生戒。
　　佛教以慈悲为主，慈悲就是有恻隐之心，不忍杀害众生，我们学佛应该与佛陀一样有同等的慈悲心要知刀兵大劫，皆是人类累劫以来杀生无数所造成的共业所致。

   慈受禅师云：“世上多杀生，遂有刀兵劫，负命杀汝身，欠财焚汝宅，离散汝妻子，曾破他巢穴，报应各相当，洗耳听佛说。”所以社会秩序的维持，人类生存的保障，全靠大家能够共同遵守“不杀生”，因此，“不杀生”不但是佛教第一条的戒律，同时也成为国家重要的法律了。

　　佛教的基本观念是众生平等。佛说众生皆具佛性，皆可成佛。佛所说的众生，不单是指人，而是胎卵湿化，四生之属皆包括在内。因此杀生戒不单是不伤害人的性命，进而亦不得伤害畜生虫蚁的性命。不但戒直接的杀害，并戒杀因杀缘；如渔猎者为直接杀害，而贩卖猎具鱼网者亦为间接的助杀。

   佛于《十善业道经》中，说不杀生有十种利益，是一、于诸众生，普施无畏。二、常于众生，起大慈悲；三、永断一切嗔恚习气。四、身常无病。五、寿命长远。六、恒为非人所守护。七、常无恶梦，寝觉快乐。八、灭除怨结，众怨自解。九、无恶道怖，十、命终生天。

　　或有人说佛门戒杀，若暴乱入侵，岂不是要伸长脖子等死？其实不然，佛戒以一已私欲而伤害生命，至于执干戈以卫社稷，正是慈悲勇猛的表现。《大法鼓经》载：“譬如波斯匿王，与敌国战，时彼诸战士，食丈夫禄不勇猛者，不名丈夫。”由此可知佛门戒杀无碍于保卫国家。

   二、不偷盗戒
　　如《大智度论》卷十三说偷盗有十罪：“一者物主常嗔，二者重疑，三者非行时不筹量，四者朋党恶人，远离贤善，五者破善相，六者得罪于官，七者财物没入，八者种贫穷业因缘，九者死入地狱，十者若出为人勤苦求财，五家所共，若王，若贼，若水，若不爱子用，乃至藏埋亦失。”

   由此可知，偷盗的果报如此惨酷，岂能不怵然警醒！佛法与世法，为什么把偷盗一事看得这样重要？因为人的本性，由无始无明，有贪的的习惯，对于金银珠宝财物，都是极为重爱的。

  佛经说：“不与而取谓之盗。”擅自把人家的财物占为己有，就是盗了。说到钱财，有谁不喜爱？但是，“君子爱财取之有道。”

   凡是不属于我们自己的财物，纵然仅是一丝一毫，绝对不随便去拿取，应该从事各种正当的事业，凭着我们血汗有劳而获所换取的代价，才是正当的。要是不劳而获，和偷盗的行为并没有差别。

   社会上的偷盗，有直接、有间接，有有形、有无形，例如小偷窃取，强盗抢劫，是直接的盗；贪官污吏的贪污舞弊是间接的盗；勒索诈欺，抵赖债务，是有形的盗；假公济私，混水摸鱼是无形的盗。

   总之，不与而取，或以不正当的手段获得的财物，都叫做盗。

   佛说不偷盗也有十种利益：一、资财盈积，王贼水火，及非爱子，不能散灭。二、多人爱念。三、人不欺负。四、十方赞美。五、不受损害。六、善名流布。七、处众无畏。八、财命色力安乐，辩才具足无缺。九、常怀施意。十、命终生天。

　　偷盗不是好事，是人人皆知的。在佛法中，不论在家戒或出家戒，都制有盗戒，而且判为犯重罪的。不论是古代或现代，世界各国的法律，皆是严格的禁止偷盗，只要是属盗窃行为，不论是暗偷或明抢，都是违反法律，犯了偷盗，而受法律制裁。但是现在的社会里，有些人为了自己的利益，昧了良心，打家劫舍，贪污受贿，瞒骗税项等等勾当，都属于盗，由此而导致社会混乱，人人向钱看，污染了人心，制造了混乱，当知偷盗是非常严重的。

　　佛教的不偷盗戒，就是让我们要去掉贪念，少欲知足，因为知足就会常乐，自然就不会犯偷盗的行为了。如果人人养成不偷的美德，社会治安自然很好，大家出门就很安全，生命和财产也都有保障。

   三、不邪淫戒
　　佛门四众弟子，有出家在家之分，出家者根本戒淫，在家者只是戒邪淫。所谓邪淫，是指正式配偶之外的交合，及非时、非处的交合。此外凡足以为邪淫因缘的如舞榭歌场、娼寮妓院亦禁止涉足。

   佛说如离邪淫，亦有如下数种利益：

   一、诸根调顺。二、永离喧掉。三、世所称叹。四、安莫能侵。站在世俗角度来说为了家庭的幸福，夫妇之间应当互相敬爱，互相尊重工业。从社会上说，男女的结合，必须遵守国家的法律，与社会的公德，如果没有通过法律与公德，那么，可能这个家庭就会生事端，也会给社会制造麻烦。

　　现在家庭的不和睦，往往都是由于不正常的男女关系而来。譬如“男人金屋藏娇，女人红杏出墙”等，都是由于邪淫引起，严重的会演变成家破人亡。古语有云：“万恶淫为首，百善孝为先。”

   古往今来，这样的例子不计其数，都是因为贪染淫欲所致。由此可知淫欲的祸患很大，所有有智慧之人，远离淫欲，如避火坑。

   《八师经》云：“淫为不净行，迷惑失正道，形消魂魄惊，伤命而蚤天，受罪顽痴荒，死复堕恶道，吾因畏是故，弃家乐山薮。”所以，佛教的戒律上，允许在家佛教徒夫妻之间正常的关系生活。只要人人守持不邪淫戒，那么世界社会自然和平安宁。

   四、不妄语戒

   诸葛长青：恶意的谎言是妄语，善意的谎言是智慧。为行善，避免别人口舌而说慌，不叫谎言妄语，这是善巧方便，没有罪过。譬如去放生路上，怕别人说你迷信，撒谎说出去游玩等等是可以的。

   毁谤、背信、伪证、恐吓，是犯了妄语戒；
　　也就是守口业。既然是佛教徒，我们就要培养自己高尚的人格，一个人言谈，关系一生的信誉，所以我们与人相处，要以诚信为基础，说话必须心口一致。让人家相信我们，而且要多赞叹人家，鼓励人家。

   如果一人老是爱撒谎，没有信用，那么谁还会相信他？因此不得不慎防重口业。中国古人说：“言而有信，童叟无欺。”也就是这个道理，佛教的妄语戒除了有其特定的意义外，更重视以诚实为人的道理。

  《十地经》云：“实语之人，其心端直，易得免苦，譬如稠林曳木，直者易出也。妄语者，法不入心，故难解脱。”佛在世时候，罗睺罗幼时，常伺候佛，欢喜妄语，人家来问他，世尊在吗？他以实为虚，以虚为实，虚实颠倒，被诳的人多了，有人去告诉佛。后经佛训诫，终生不敢妄语。再如《楞严经》云：“譬如平民，妄号帝王，自取诛戮。”到头来只是伤身败德。害了自己，苦了他人，毫无利益。未见言见，见言不见，虚伪夸张，藉辞掩饰，皆为妄语。妄语不但欺人，而且自欺。

　　佛说若离妄语，有下列诸种利益：一、口常清净，优钵花香。二、为诸世间之所调伏。三、发言成证，人天敬爱。四、常以爱语安慰众生。五、得胜意乐，三业清净。六、言无误失。七、发言尊重，人天奉行。八、智慧殊胜，无能制服。

   五、不饮酒戒

   诸葛长青：“在家学佛”之人要控制酒，但是为了商业应酬不得不去喝酒，也是可以的。不乱饮酒就可以的。“出家人”则是应当戒酒的。
　　酒会乱性，使人失去理智，不得清醒糊里糊涂，一旦酒精中毒，往往还会导致生命的危险。由于饮酒而导致的犯罪很多，如酒后驾车而出事故，酒后无德而打架斗殴等现象屡见不鲜都是由于饮酒而造成的。

  有人以为以净财沽酒而饮，无损于人，为何也列为戒条？殊不知酒能乱性，人间许多罪恶，莫不以酒为媒介。

   《四分律》载饮酒有十过三十六失，如坏颜色、无威仪、损名誉、失智慧、致病、耗财、无耻、不敬、坠车、落水等等。智者举一而反三，由此可知酒之为害了。

　　饮酒虽然不是犯罪，但是容易使人去犯罪，在佛经中有一个故事，有一位五戒的信士，一向持戒很清净，有一天从外面回家，因为他很渴，见有一碗酒放在桌上他以为是水，一口喝下了肚，才知是酒，但他仍然是把一碗酒喝光了，由于酒精的刺激，使他失去理智的控制，看有一只鸡从隔壁走过他家，他在失去理性情形下，便把鸡偷来杀了，作了下酒菜，由此而犯了盗、杀二戒。邻居太太不见了鸡，便来问他，他见邻居太太长得极美，起了欲念的淫心，在冲动之下把她强暴了，事后别人问他，他都说没作，这样又犯了淫、妄二戒，他喝了一碗酒，竟然连犯了五戒，由此可见酒的罪恶，可谓大矣！所以佛陀才制不饮酒戒。

   破戒的过失
　　因为清净持戒可以获得不可思议的功德，所以破戒之后所得的过失也会招感无穷的恶报。如同一个解犯了国家的法律，其人要受到法律制裁一样，而受戒之人，破戒后同样会受到因果规律和护法神的制裁。在佛弟子中，不论在家，出家，破戒的过失有差别，但破根本戒的过失都是相同的，因为在因果前面人人平等。

　　戒是佛教的根本精神，是佛弟子修行必须具足持守的，否则就不能达到解脱的目的。《法华经》云：“精进持净戒，犹如护明珠。”我们受持五戒后，就应该好好受持，才能得到佛法的真正利益。经又云：“信为能入，戒为能度。”我们学佛是为求解脱而来，就必须如法持式，从而断除现有的烦恼，亦能销熔未来的结使，完善人格，得大自在。现在文明的贡献虽然满足了人们不断增长的膨胀物欲，从另一方面说受文明引导，人们用智力控制自然，为讲求功利生产越来越多的商品似乎成为人生活的最高目标，人设计机器，机器又来设计人。个人被强烈的自我中心，以及对权力和财富的不满足所吞并，一切以我为中心，乃至“顺我者昌，逆我者亡”、“人不为己，天诛地灭”。为了当时的享受，不顾一切违犯戒行，损失人格，故《福盖正行经》云：“破戒之人，无所堪任，如彼破车，无能运载。”不但毁了佛弟子自身的名誉，也破了许多善信者的信心，尤其糟糕乃是损坏了三宝的尊严。

　　五戒之中杀盗淫妄为根本，饮酒戒属于遮戒，酒的本身是没有罪恶，很多人认为酒是米做的，酒不是荤。为什么不能饮酒呢？因为酒能乱性，破坏生定，而且许多坏事，恶事，都是由饮酒起来。从古到今，人间的悲剧，又都不出杀盗淫妄的范围，及饮酒造成的罪业。纣王，商朝末帝，喜欢饮酒，作酒肉林，与王妃饮酒作乐于其中。因酒色所迷故，暴虐无道，剖孕妇腹，斫行人胫，作炮烙之刑，刳比干之心，最后纣王奔赴鹿台引火自焚。

   《中阿含经》云：“犯戒有衰：一、求财不遂，二、设得衰耗，三、众不敬爱，四、恶名流布，五、死入地狱。”破戒的人现世名声不好，未来要招感无穷的地狱果报。

   持五戒的功德
　　五戒是远离一切恶法，生长一切善法的基础，严持五戒，即为得一切戒的根本，证得一切无漏功德和圣果的所依处。戒是佛陀从大悲心中流露出来净化人身心的甘露，是佛弟子求得出离的根本保障。圣严法师在《戒律学纲要》中，以五戒通往人天的护照。五戒是做人的准则，若能受持五戒，则能保住人身不失。戒在修学佛法中有着殊胜的功德，所谓戒为一切诸善功德住处。人必止恶才能行善，有了向善之心，才能进一步希求解脱。

   故《璎珞本业经》云：“一切众生，初入三宝海，以信为本，住在佛家，以戒为本。”世间上最大的利益，莫过于学佛了生死，成就菩提，我们要想成就这样善法，就必须要持戒。《明了论》云：“戒能生种种利益，谓引生世出世间善法。”世出世间善法的生起，都要以持戒为基础。

　　受持五戒，能远离修习善法的障难，具足增长善法的顺缘。《优婆塞五戒相经》云：“若善男子受持不犯者，以是因缘当成佛道。”故经中说五戒行是世间庄严具中的殊胜庄严，是无上微妙的宝藏。《优婆塞戒经》第三卷云：“善男子！优婆塞戒名为璎珞，名为庄严，其香微妙，熏无边界，遮不善法，为善法律，即是无上妙宝之藏。”

　　持戒相好庄严，名闻十方，许多人都希望自己具有一副庄严相貌，他们想尽办法，用各种装饰品去庄严，其实这都不是最根本的办法。我们要想天生具有庄严的相貌，我们就要持戒。《萨遮尼乾子经》云：“若不持戒，乃至不得疥癞野干身，何况得功德之身。”一个不能持戒的人，势必要堕落，即使丑陋下贱的人身都得不到，何况庄严相好之身呢？《地持经》云：“三十二相，无差别因，皆持戒所得。”若不持戒，尚不得下贱人身，况大人相报。三十二相在印度是公认的贵人相，也要以说是完美的相貌。一个通过持戒，就能招得三十二相。《大智度论》云：“人虽贫贱，若能持戒，香闻十方，名声远布，天人敬爱。”一个持戒的人，即使没有地位财富，他的名声也能传播到遥远的地方，受到天人的尊重。由此可知持五戒得到种种功德。由此可知戒能生各种殊胜功德，应尊重戒律，仰慕古来的圣贤，只要依佛教的五戒受持实行，我们的世界便是人间净土了。

　　综上所述：戒律在修学佛法上是为重要，若想了生脱死，求得解脱，都要以持戒为基础。《遗教经》云：“若无净戒，诸善功德不生。”戒是在渡越苦海的舟航，发起万善的开端。目前的人类世界，若人人都能奉持五戒，那么社会上就可以消除战争，偷盗，谋杀，欺骗，贪污，邪淫，国破家亡等威胁人间的悲剧。

意义
　　五戒虽然分别为五，但是根本精神是不侵犯；不侵犯而尊重别人，便能自由。譬如：不杀生，就是对别人的生命不侵犯；不偷盗，就是对别人的财产不侵犯；不邪淫，就是对别人的名节不侵犯；不妄语，就是对别人的名誉不侵犯；不饮酒，就是对自己的理智不伤害，从而不去侵犯别人。一般人总以为受戒是增加束缚，因此有人说：何必受戒，自找束缚！其实，凡是身陷牢狱失去自由的人，探究其原因，都是触犯了五戒。

    譬如：贪污、侵占、窃盗、勒索、抢劫、绑票，是犯了偷盗戒；强奸、嫖妓、拐骗、重婚，是犯了邪淫戒；毁谤、背信、伪证、恐吓，是犯了妄语戒；贩毒、吸毒、运毒、吸食烟酒等，是犯了饮酒戒。由于犯了五戒，于是身系囹圄，失去自由。所以受戒也是守法，能够受持五戒，真实认识五戒的人，才能享有真正的自由。因此，戒的真义是自由，而非束缚。

　　有人认为受戒难免会犯戒，不受戒就不会有犯戒的担忧。事实上，受戒后纵使犯戒，因为有惭愧心，懂得忏悔，罪过较小，还是有得度的机会。不受戒的人，犯了戒，不知忏悔，罪过加重，因此沉沦三涂恶道。所以，宁可受戒而犯戒悔过，也不要不受戒而犯戒，因为受戒才有得度的机会，不受戒就永无成佛的可能。何况不受戒，并不代表做错事就不犯戒，不受戒而犯戒，仍然有罪，仍然难逃因果业报。

受持五戒的利益
　　受持五戒是人道的根本，五戒与儒家的五常有相通之处。五常就是仁、义、礼、智、信。不杀曰仁，不盗曰义，不淫曰礼，不妄曰信，不酒曰智。一个人受持五戒，会有无尽的利益。《灌顶经》卷三说：我们受持五戒，必感得廿五名善神的护佑。《月灯三昧经》卷六记载，持戒清净者能获得十种利益： 1满足一切智，2如佛所学而学，3智者不毁，4不退誓愿，5 安住于行，6弃舍生死，7慕乐涅药，8得无缠心，9得胜三昧，10不乏信财。

　　此外，如果我们不杀生而护生，自然能获得健康长寿；不偷盗而布施，自然能发财享受富贵；不邪淫而尊重他人的名节，自然家庭和谐美满；不妄语而赞叹他人，自然能获得善名美誉；不喝酒而远离毒品的诱惑，自然身体健康，智慧清明。

　　所以，受持五戒，现世可以免除苦恼、恐怖，可以获得身心的自由、平安、和谐、快乐；将来可以免堕三涂恶道，得人天果报，乃至成佛。受持五戒，如同在福田里播了种，纵使不求，自然有许多利益加身，自然享有无尽的功德善果。

  五戒的受持
　　受持五戒是尽形寿受持，非一日一夜受持而已。五戒可以全部受持，也可以随分受持。如《十住心论》卷二引《大智度论》说：‘戒有五种，始从不杀，乃至不饮酒。若受一戒是名一分，若受二、三戒是名少分，若受四戒是名多分，五戒是名满分。于此分中，欲受何分，常随意受之。’

　　由此可知，在家居士人人可就自己的情况，选择自己容易受持的一戒、二戒，乃至三戒、四戒，精进受持，渐渐达到五戒圆满。甚至进一步受持八关斋戒、菩萨戒等，如此自然能得增上生，能得决定胜果，乃至大乘佛果。
   

 (This article is an original article by Zhuge Changqing, and the pictures are selected from the Internet. Welcome to forward it, and please indicate the source for forwarding)

Introduction to Zhuge Changqing: Zhuge Changqing, the inheritor and promoter of traditional Chinese culture, is willing to "learn from sages, promote virtue, revitalize China and benefit the world" together with people with the same ideals in the world.

(Zhuge Changqing: zhuge8031@163.com ）

Zhuge Changqing mailbox：

zhuge8031@163.com

Zhuge Changqing's Chinese Dream

Learn from sages and carry forward virtue

Revitalizing China for the benefit of the world

 （本文是诸葛长青原创文章，图片选自网络。欢迎转发，转发引用请注明出处）

诸葛长青简介：诸葛长青，中国国学传统文化传承弘扬者，愿与天下志同道合者一起“学习圣贤、弘扬善德、振兴中华、造福世界”。

（诸葛长青：zhuge8031@163.com）

Zhuge Changqing mailbox：

zhuge8031@163.com

  诸葛长青中国梦  

学习圣贤 弘扬善德

振兴中华 造福世界

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7诸葛长青忏悔文化：改变命运忏悔方法案例

8Free Life Culture: Free Life Culture in Ancient China

8放生文化：中国古代的放生文化

9Shocking photo of feeding: Buddha, Bodhisattva and Dharma Protector come to the scene

9施食震撼照片：佛菩萨护法神亲临现场

10Feeding Rite Return: the return is changed to simple return

10施食仪轨回向：回向修改为简洁回向