Lesson Five: The Triple Gem (Part II) Dhamma and Sangha

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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.
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