+3 votes
by (1.6k points)
"Belief that purification comes through performing rites and rituals"

It is a fetter. So can i modify two precepts in uposatha day according to my convenience? For example- 1. Sleeping on floor (can i simply sleep on a not very luxurious bed?)

2. In my home we eat lunch at 2.00 pm ( can i eat at this time ?)

2 Answers

0 votes
by (8.5k points)
Following the precepts is not a rite or a ritual. The precepts are there for specific reasons that will benefit your practice. Having said that, if you want to commit to following the 8 precepts start slowly. Maybe only add one precept at a time and be patient with yourself. Your mind will try to find many excuses because it does not like to be restricted.

The short answer: no you can't modify the precepts if you want to follow them.
by (1.6k points)
I understand it. Thank you. I am the only lay Buddhist in my family. So i am facing various problems with regard to sleep on floor and eating before 12. Can you suggest a way to deal with this. I really want to keep 8 precepts on uposatha days...
One more thing. What are the rites and rituals in 3rd fetter?
by (8.5k points)
The fetter regarding the rites and rituals is the wrong belief that one becomes pure simply by performing rituals or patterns of behavior. Only nibbana can remove fetters and purify the mind. This belief only goes away after experiencing nibbana and becoming a sotapanna.

Regarding your family, try to explain to them why this is important for you. If they are not supportive of your practice you'll have to find a place where you can practice correctly.

You can try preparing your own food and eating before noon. Also, you don't have to sleep on the floor. Just try not to sleep on a high or luxurious bed that keeps you attached to sleeping long hours.
by (1.6k points)
Ok..thank you...
0 votes
by (18.8k points)

Lay followers are only expected to keep to the five precepts. Eight precepts are usually kept if you are staying in a meditation center, monastery or when you go to the temple on Poya days.

You don't modify higher precepts, you just don't take them if you are not in a convenient place to follow them. By the way, the eighth precept does not require you to sleep on the floor. It's about avoiding high and luxurious furnishings such as these — over-sized couches, couches adorned with carved animals, long-haired coverlets, multi-colored patchwork coverlets, white woolen coverlets, woolen coverlets embroidered with flowers or animal figures, stuffed quilts, coverlets with fringe, silk coverlets embroidered with gems; large woolen carpets; elephant, horse, and chariot rugs, antelope-hide rugs, deer-hide rugs; couches with awnings, couches with red cushions for the head and feet etc.

by (2.0k points)
My person just tells good Sankha of what wise, the Buddha, encourages, but of course he can think as he like, or trust, or read.
by (2.0k points)
"As they were sitting there, the Blessed One said to them, "Sakyans, do you observe the eight-factored uposatha?"

"Sometimes we do, lord, and sometimes we don't."

"It's no gain for you, Sakyans. It's ill-gotten, that in this life so endangered by grief, in this life so endangered by death, you sometimes observe the eight-factored uposatha and sometimes don't..."
As for Those seeking for meditation, Vipassana, a simply prerequisite, useless if not willing let go of sensual pleasures.
by (18.8k points)
This is only on Uposatha days. If you are arguing that all laypeople should keep to the 8 precepts at all times you are mistaken.
by (2.0k points)
As good householder likes to think. It's how ever clear that those blocks aren't language problems but firm on-stand-holding... maybe read both Suttas, but they are of course not google translated.
by (18.8k points)
The Suttas do not agree with your opinion.
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