The Five Wholesome Conducts

The Five Wholesome Conducts Introduction: The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas all have the 5 wholesome conducts: Compassion, Forgiveness, Diligence, Purity and Wisdom. As a youth leader, we need to practice and live by those five wholesome conducts, first to cultivate one self, and second to set a good example to encourage and remind the young members to practice these five conducts. Content: I. The Five Wholesome Conducts The meaning of the Five Wholesome Conducts 1. Compassion: Includes two parts: Từ & Bi a. Từ to bring happiness. To bring joy to everyone and every species. b. Bi to alleviate suffering. To relieve the suffering from everyone and every species. Từ and Bi are coined together because the joy will mitigate the suffering. For example, when a person is suffering from starvation, providing food will make that person very happy. Therefore, helping the hunger with a bowl of rice is an act of both Từ and Bi. A person is sad because his/her mother just passed away, to help that person, we use comforting words and explain to that person that death is just a transformation phase from one state to another, from this body to another body. Just like the cloud, when it gets cold, it will precipitate. Furthermore, life is impermanent, if birth exists, then death must also exist; if it can come, then it can go. Even though one s parents have passed away, we still have many ways to pay homage to our parents and therefore we should not be despaired. From that understanding, the distress within that person will diminished. A child is bullied by a hooligan and panic in fear, we interfere to defend the child from the hooligan. The child no longer suffers from fear and rejoices because the he was rescued from danger. So in addition to mitigate the suffering, joy is also the result of it. For that reason, Từ and Bi are used together. A person with Từ Bi conduct, his/her heart is always open. Every action, word and thought will bring happiness and alleviate the suffering of others. Gia Đình Phật Tử Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ Tài Liệu Bậc Kiên - 1

2. Forgiveness: also two parts: Hỷ and Xả a. Hỷ is happy; a person with Hỷ conduct has a cheerful personality. b. Xả is letting go, without attachment. For example: A person scolds and says negative things towards you, however, you do not cling to those words, and therefore those words do not affect you and will not bring out any negative feelings such as anger in you. One owns a car and attends to it very delicately, always cleaning it. However, one does not cling to it and always willing to let a friend borrow it when the vehicle is needed. With that mentality, even if the car is somewhat damaged, one will not be depressed and resentful. More broadly, do not be too dependent on property wealth, do not have the mentality of mine. When we die, we cannot bring anything with us. So when something is damaged or lost, we should not regret and suffer because of the lost. If one holds to the idea that everything is mine and be attached to it, then one will not let anyone borrow or give away anything even if that thing is insignificant. And if it is lost or damaged in anyway, one suffers tremendously. Even our own lives are insignificant because it, too, does not have a self. It only exists through each in breath and out breath, and without the inhale and exhale will result in death! Furthermore, a random mishap or accident can easily take this life away. A person with Xả conduct does not worry and is always happy. He/she possess a joyful personality. For that reason, Hỷ is coined with Xã. 3. Diligence: It is persistence, perseverance and firmly progressing. Always hardworking and can overcome all obstacles. On the path of practicing, if any hardships exist, always stay calm and firm. A person with diligence conduct is always ambitious to learn more dharma, to study harder, to cultivate the mind and progressing toward enlightenment, and never give up when encountering any hardships and obstacles along the way. 4. Wisdom: understanding intelligently. It is to understand correctly, be able to identify the truth. We should not misunderstand wisdom to its every day usage. Though there are many bright scientists, it does not necessary mean that they understand correctly. For example, developing the nuclear bomb to destroy humanity is not understanding correctly. A person with wisdom conduct, when a problem arises, he/she always Gia Đình Phật Tử Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ Tài Liệu Bậc Kiên - 2

tries to find out the complete truth. They like to research, learn, discuss on relevant issues and the dharma and not waste time on nonsense. 5. Purity: Purity is pure and serene. Purity usually points to the mind. A pure mind is a mind without improper actions. It is a mind of calmness without ever having a bad thought. A person with purity conduct is not only without bad thoughts, but also always with a pure mind, without any intention of personal gain. Understanding the five wholesome conducts properly Like previously presented in the lesson The purpose of the Dharma, Buddhism terms does not carry the same meaning as the outside world because society often borrowed terms from the Dharma but do not fully understand it s meaning and use it without knowing it s actual meaning. For example, the term giác ngộ or tự giác have become an everyday usage for many non-buddhists. Hoan hỷ is also a familiar term to use to express politeness (please happily (hoan hỷ) accept this mister ). Many dictionaries define incorrectly or only express a certain view of the meaning of those Dharma terms. For example, the Vietnamese dictionary from Ban Tu Thư Khai Trí defines: 1. Purity (Thanh tịnh): 1. Clean 2. Serene. Society understands: An empty space without loud sound is Purity. But actually, Purity in Buddhism is maintaining the body, speech and thoughts without letting the mind be contaminated with worldly desires and outside influences. 2. Forgiveness (Hỷ Xã): Happily sacrificing oneself. Which is also correct but only correct in a xã thân (sacrifice of the body) aspect. Its true meaning is happily sacrificing everything. Therefore, we must understand that compassion does not have the same meaning as nhân từ (benevolent) or bác ái (charitable) but rather has an in depth definition to mean compassionate to all beings not just human beings. Similarly, diligence isn t just approaching intelligently but also encompasses both patience and sacrifice. And we must understand that wisdom is wisdom from the Buddha not societal meaning wisdom. Therefore, a person with a high degree, such as BA or Master degree, but does not understand the Dharma, without building one s understanding through compassion, then to Buddhism, they are without wisdom. On the other hand, a person without any educational degree, but he/she researched thoroughly in the study of the Dharma and apply the knowledge gained to everyday living, then he/she is a person with wisdom. Of course, societal wisdom can help to expand Buddhism wisdom. Gia Đình Phật Tử Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ Tài Liệu Bậc Kiên - 3

Correlation of the five wholesome conducts: The five conducts correlate to each other. A person with a compassionate conduct often reminds oneself whether his/her actions and conducts will bring harm to anyone. That reminder is also showing the wisdom quality. On the contrary, the action of a person with wisdom (Buddha wisdom) will coincide with the Dharma and will have compassion in every thought. A person with a forgiveness conduct can easily display Bố Thí (donation) conduct because of his/her compassionate heart. Every time we donate, whether it is money or materials, we are letting go in a happily satisfying way. For that reason, Forgiveness reinforces Compassion and Compassion can develop Forgiveness. Similarly, a person with a Purity conduct, who has a pure heart and mind and without disturbances, can develop Wisdom much more easy. So, a Purity conduct complements Wisdom conduct. Also, a person with Wisdom would be able to see the importance of Purity in their lives, and once they are able to see that then there s nothing to obstruct their practices. Furthermore, because of having proper Wisdom, they are able to see beings continuously exist in the cycle of suffering, Only Dharma can be the beacon that shines on the path of enlightenment. Therefore, they long for salvation and diligently learning and practicing the dharma. In short, all the above conducts correlate to Diligence, and once we diligently learning and practicing, the other conducts are further developed. II. Cultivating the five wholesome conducts Since it is a conduct, it must be within our mind and body, and not just a behavior or a term aimlessly used. For example, when speak of Compassion, it is not a compassionate behavior but rather it is a conduct that already exists within our mind and body. Therefore, every word, action, sight, and smile all have the compassionate composition or make ups. With regard to the young members, these are the five wholesome conducts of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that you must learn and apply to your daily lives. With regard to huynh trưởng, we cannot simply state applying the five conducts but rather bring these five conducts to our mind and body. Of course it can t be compared to that of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, but it should at least exists subtly within us. The conducts depend on each person s capacity, but if it is not cultivated, then it can never be achieved. 1. Cultivation of Compassion One s capacity dictates one s behavior. For example, one sees that his friend is sad and lonely, but one does not know any comforting words to lessen the sadness, even one s attempt at comforting makes it even worse. However, one does not hesitate to donate financially to manufacture sutras. And it is from the heart. That is one from of donation Gia Đình Phật Tử Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ Tài Liệu Bậc Kiên - 4

out of compassion, donation of Dharmas. There are also people who can buy foods for the hungers but cannot control their emotions when they are being threaten or slanders. To practice and grow compassion, we must know how to observe and practice mindfulness. We observe the reasons why we are being slandered and scolded to where we would be so angry and out of control. If we put ourselves into that person s shoes, perhaps it s because out of fear that the person slanders us, scolds at us. If that is the case, then we should be silent for them to scold and slander if it s to relieve the suffering and whatever fear they are having. We can pretend like they are our parents scolding and beating us, and let that compassion build within our heart. Similarly, when eating a bowl of rice, we should think of all the hard work from the farmers for the wheat that nourished us. We realize their hardships and have compassion towards them. In summary, the conduct of compassion depends on each person s capacity to cultivate. The easiest is to constantly reminding oneself in every breath Remember to find a happy solution remember to relieve the suffering. 2. Cultivating the conduct of Forgiveness We must always observe that life is impermanent. There s nothing in this world that can exist eternally. Any sudden accident or change can take our lives away. Your finance, personal belongings, and even your own body cannot be kept, then what is there to hold on to, why not let it go, let go and be in the present moment, safely and naturally in front of all changes. 3. Cultivating the conduct of Diligence As the above have explained, if we cannot be in control of our lives, then we must use this life as a way to practice and be closer to enlightenment. It is hard enough to be reborn as a human, encountering the Dharma s is even harder. For that reason, we must take advantage of every minute, second, and moment to diligently learn and practice the dharma. Had we been reborn as animals or spirits, we would not be able to encounter the Dharma to practice. Even being reborn as angels in heaven would not give us the best opportunities to practice due to the endless pleasures and not be able to see the path of salvation. 4. Cultivating the conduct of Wisdom We must always research to learn the dharma and sutra. Seek guidance from teachers, find knowledgeable friends to share and discuss ideas. Don t waste time on stories and movies, or any videos lacking worthy knowledge. We must have proper concentration to develop wisdom. Gia Đình Phật Tử Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ Tài Liệu Bậc Kiên - 5

5. Cultivating the conduct of Purity The simplest way to have right concentration, eliminating the impure thoughts, and prevent any desires from occurring is to follow one s breadth. Reserve at least 15 minutes each day to practice meditation or follow one s breathing while standing, lying, sitting, etc. Practice following your breathing in the following way. First out breath: Breath out: Remember to seek ways to be happy Breath in: Remember to find ways to be happy Second out breath: Breath out: Remember to alleviate the suffering Breath in: Remember to alleviate the suffering Third out breath: Breath out: Remember to keep a happy feeling Breath in: Remember to keep a happy feeling Fourth out breath: Breath out: Remember to practice letting go Breath in: Remember to practice letting go Conclusion: Since it is a conduct of a Buddhist, then, as a Buddhist, we should always cultivate it. Every one of our word, action, and gesture has in it the characteristic of the five conducts. It doesn t need to be at a high level and it depends on each person s capacity to learn and practice to develop and eventually achieving the truth (chân thiện mỹ) Gia Đình Phật Tử Việt Nam tại Hoa Kỳ Tài Liệu Bậc Kiên - 6