The Layman's Precepts
by Roshi Hogen Berman

In referring to what we, in the English language, call Precepts, the original Buddhist Canon uses the Pali term "Sikkhapada".

The word "precept" is generally defined as: "A commandment or directive meant as a rule of action or conduct; a rule of moral conduct; a law or written order."

Unfortunately, as often happens, translations from foreign languages to English do not necessarily represent and communicate the true meaning of the terms and retain the same intentions they had in the original language. This may be particularly true in the case of ancient Indic Pali and Sanskrit relative to the Buddhist Canon and other original source documents.

This term "Precepts" was selected as the best translation of the Pali term "Sikkhapada" by European and other Western writers based upon their experience, their religious and philosophical backgrounds. The writers, those who had studied Buddhism, selected the term Precepts as a reasonably close descriptive term somewhat similar to the Christian technical term "Commandments." However, being aware the guidelines and rules of conduct in the Buddhist Canon for layman are far less demanding, they selected precepts, as a softer, less restrictive and demanding, term than Commandments. From a practical point of view, for teaching and reaching the layman, perhaps this is the best we can do.

If not "Precepts" what are the "Sikkhapada?":

Sikkh refers to "training;" which all disciples and followers of the Buddha's Dharma must undergo. "Pada" a rather ambiguous term, can be translated as either, "First Step" or "Quarter verse," and both meanings may be applicable in this usage. If we accept these translations as accurate, the term Sikkhapada may be literally translated as, "First Steps towards self training" (i.e. the self training of a newly ordained novice in the brotherhood), or as "A short text of Dharma training." Sikkhapada in the original Buddhist Canon is only used in reference to the First steps of training for ordained members of the Sangha.

A similar term, Siksapada, is used when referring to the "Wrong Ways" or "Wrong Views" of the laity. It is usually translated as "The first steps to be learned."

A most important factor to keep in mind when thinking about "The First Steps of Buddhist Training" (for both the laity and the ordained members of the Sangha) is the basic intent of the first training steps. It is to generate, or create, and influence the build up of internal power within the follower to abstain from the deeds proscribed. It is not their intent to force or even compel compliance as a result of taking vows or considering them commands from an outside power; A Buddha, a God, Teacher, Doctrine, concept, a Dharma or any other source.

In Buddhism there is an interesting anecdote that clearly reflects how such rules -- or precepts -- were viewed by the Buddhist community during the Buddha's lifetime: "One day a young Bhikkhu came to the Buddha and said: `Lord, there are more than a hundred and fifty precepts (referring to the Vinaya-Pitaka and Patimokka) intoned to us every fortnight. I cannot, Lord, train myself in all of these!' The Buddha asked: `Could you train yourself, Brother, in three steps; that of higher morality, higher intelligence, and higher wisdom? The Bhikkhu said he could -- and he did. On this basis he put away lust, ill will, and stupidity. He experienced Nirvana and all lesser precepts were understood at once."

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