10 9 / 2011
"I undertake the training rule to: abstain from taking life; abstain from taking what is not given; abstain from sexual misconduct; abstain from false speech; and abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness."
The Five Precepts of Buddhism. It’s interesting to note the choice of words - it is not something like, “Thou shall not kill, though shall not steal, etc.” It is much more peaceful, less condemning and less commanding or authoritative. Perhaps different times call for different measures, but I feel that these precepts are less guilt-laden than most common religious laws. Like they say, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”
