op 13-09-2003 02:24 schreef Ong Yong Peng op ypong001@...

>
> 1. Is this part of the Bhikkhu precepts?

N: It is among the rules of Vinaya, in Vinaya Pitaka, ii. 108. In PTS
edition, V, p. 146.

>

Y.P.; 2. If not, does any of the five negative consequences results in the

> violation of any precepts? For example, when pride arises in the
> singer, is the monk violating any of the precepts?

N: When speaking about precepts I think of five, eight or ten precepts,
rules of training, for laypeople, and for the monks: there are binding
rules, they have to follow the ten precepts, but in addition many more
rules. As to chanting, there can be a dukkhata offence, it is not as strong
as requiring a meeting of the sangha or expiation. As to pride when singing,
I come back to that later on.
Y P: 3. What about lay people promoting Buddhism through hymns, or when

> some elements of Buddhism are used in songs?

N: A different matter, there are no rules of laypeople. But, as I shall
explain, we can benefit from studying this vinaya text.
Y P: 4. One tricky question, aside from an academic viewpoint, should lay

> people be discussing the vinaya? I understand from the Mahayana
> standpoint, it is wrong for a householder to probe into or meddle
> with the Vinaya. Does this rule exist in the Theravada tradition?
> This is why I refrain from discussion of the Vinaya myself.

N: I never heard of this rule in the Theravada tradition.
The three Baskets are the Buddha's teachings, rehearsed at the three
Councils, and is it not beneficial to study them? It depends on the
individual's inclination what he will study.
There is also suttanta in Vinaya, and there is also vinaya in suttanta. In
all three Baskets there is Abhidhamma, all pointing to the same goal: the
eradication of wrong view and all defilements. The Buddha addresses the
monks in many suttas, but these are also for laypeople. Think of the suttas
John gives us: monks, there are two kinds of happiness, etc.
Take the Anumanasutta: how the monk should scrutinize himself, does he
speak: according to fact or not, does he speak at the right time or at the
wrong time. The monks have to ponder over this sutta preferable three times
a day, but if that is not possible, at least once a day. We can profit from
these advices. Shouldn't we scrutinize our conscience? How difficult to
speak at the righ time, especially in E Mail! Many Vinaya rules laypeople
can apply in their own situation.
We read about Invitation, pavaara.naa: After the rainy season, each monk
invites the Sangha to point out his faults during the preceding period. How
this induces humbleness of mind and respect the monks should have for each
other! The monks should forgive one another their offenses. Foregiveness is
a kind of dana, giving. Also good for laypeople to be reminded by the
"Invitation" laid down for monks.
In his great compassion the Buddha gave rules about cleaning the kuti,
removing cobwebs, etc. What is the reason: satipatthana is implied in all
the rules. The monks may just follow the letter, but, they should heed the
message of the Buddha: don't be negligent whatever you are doing, there are
the ultimate realities of nama and rupa. When there can be awareness of them
it is the way to eradicate defilements. Vinaya should not be separated from
satipatthana. Then following the rules can be motivated from within. It can
come more naturally. It is meaningful that the non-ariyan can leave
monkhood, but that the monk who is an ariyan has no conditions to disrobe.
The sotapanna has eradicated gross kilesa. He has developed panna and his
mindfulness has become a bala, power: it can arise in any situation.
For laypeople: we also have to clean the house, wash cloths, go shopping, we
have to do many chores in our daily life. Let us not forget the Buddha's
message of being aware of the present reality.
Another benefit of studying the Vinaya: it helps us with respectful conduct
to monks. It helps us not to create situations which make life for the monks
difficult. Women should not be alone with a monk, not even in a temple.
There should always be a layman present. Women should not sit next to a monk
in bus, train, airplane.
Next time I shall speak about chanting. This rule is deep in meaning.
Nina.