Modern living exploits the greed for possessions
and excites the sense organs for enjoyment in
every possible way. There is a proliferation of
erotic literature and gossip magazines in the
book shops. Enormous industries are built upon
the manufacture and sale of cosmetics and
clothing, the theatrical and motion picture
industry. In many parts of the world people
wear more expensive clothing than they really
need, simply it is a fashion to do so.
Many people have taken for granted that life
would be worthless without radio, television,
cinemas, theatres and dances. It never occurs to
them that their grandparents managed very
happily without these things. By restraining
from frivolous pleasures on the Uposatha days,
a Buddhist observes this precept so that he can
keep his mind calm and is not distracted from
hi s contemplations on the Dhamma.
Eight Precept:
Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani
sikkhapadam samadiyami
I take the training rule to abstain from using
high and luxurious couches.In former days, the more luxurious and
elaborate beds were built very high. The high
couch symbolizes pride while its luxury stands
for every kind of uncontrolled self-indulgence.
When the Buddhist layman strips off his
pretentious clothing and dons the simple white
garments traditionally worn for the taking of
the Eight Precepts, he is metaphorically
abstaining from high couches. He is no longer
trying to make himself superior to others by
outward show.
Sitting or kneeling on the floor, he takes his
precepts from his preceptor. When he turns his
mind away from sense gratification and listens
to the Dhamma, or discuss the Dhamma with
his preceptors, he is in fact abstaining from
sensuality symbolizedby the luxurious couch. In
daily life it is the moral principles involved in the
Five Precepts which colorour associations with
others and go to build up a consistentlymoral
character. Observing the Five Precepts all the
time requires more sustained effort than to
keep the Eight Precepts on special occasions.It is a mistake to assume, as some people seem
to do, that the strict observance of Uposatha
Day vows will compensate for a life that is spent
breaking the basic precepts. Ideally, both
should be observed. If a choice is to be made,
however, it should be in the favor of the more
difficult task, that is following the Five Precepts
at all times and under all circumstances.11