Lesson Five: The Triple Gem (Part 2)

Dhamma and Sangha

The stillness of the evening was broken by the

faint tinkle of tiny wind bells and the chirping of
sparrows as they flew home to their nests under
the roof of the shrine hall. Occasionally, the leaves

of the Bodhi tree rustled in the cool, caressing
breeze. The temple was an ideal spot for
meditation, a retreat to watch the stars emerged

from the darkening sky and to greet the silver
splendor of the rising moon.

A stranger, in contemplation, was strolling in the
gathering dusk. From out of the shadows, he
heard a voice said, "Good evening." A man seated

on the steps of the pagoda was looking at him in
the darkness.

"Good evening," the stranger replied. "You're a
Buddhist, aren't you?"

The man replied, "Yes, I am."

"I was hoping to ses someone whom I could ask a
few questions on Buddhism," said the stranger. "I
was wondering whether you mind answering a

few questions for me?"

"Sit down," the man replied, "and be my guest."

Stranger:I suppose Buddhists are people who

follow the teachings of the Buddha.

Upasaka: Yes. We consist of the Order of

monks and nuns who constitutethe Sangha

and the lay devotees who are known as

upasaka for the males and upasika for the

female.

S:Then you are an upasaka. Do you have to

undergo aninitiation ceremonytobecome a

Buddhist?

U: No. One is a Buddhist if oneunderstands

and follows the Buddha's teachings, the

Dhamma. However, it is an unbroken ageold

tradition in Buddhist countries for a Buddhist

to take his refuges in the Triple Gem and to

observe the Five Precepts. He recites three

times: I follow the Buddha as my guide, I

Follow the Dhamma as my guide,I follow the

Sangha as myguide.

S:And the Five Precepts?

U: The Five Precepts are to abstain from destroying

living beings, from takingwhatis not given, from

sexualmisconduct, fromfalse speech, and from

intoxicants. These precepts guide our actions and

can beregarded as trainingrules undertaken

voluntarily. Each precept has its positive

counterpart, that is, to develop lovingkindness,

generosity, contentment, truthfulness and

mindfulness. Itis usefulto remember that these

precepts are notcommandments.

S:On whatoccasionsdoyouobservethe Five

Precepts?

U: As the Five Precepts are training rules to

build up a consistent, moralcharacter, a good

Buddhist tries to observe them daily. Itis easy

to see that the practice of the Five Precepts

will foster harmony in our association and

relationship with others.