RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Harming Living Beings
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Harming living beings is
unhealthy. Refraining from harming living beings is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning the harming of living beings, one abstains from harming
living beings; with rod and weapon laid aside, gentle and kindly, one
abides with compassion toward all living beings. (M 41) One practices
thus: “Others may harm living beings, but I will abstain from the
harming of living beings.” (MN 8)
This is something that leads to the welfare and happiness of a layperson
in this present life: balanced living. Here, a person knows their
wealth coming in and their wealth going out, and leads a balanced life,
being neither too extravagant nor too frugal, [knowing that] “in this
way my income exceeds my expenditures, and my expenditures do not exceed
my income.” (AN 8.54)
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Indian culture
is deeply rooted in commerce, as its early civilizations seem to have
flourished on trade, and many of the Buddha’s followers were merchants.
He thus had respect for commercial life, and the economic balance he
mentions here can be seen as a middle-way lifestyle for the layperson.
Just as a monk lives being neither too indulgent nor too ascetic, so
also a layperson should live a financially balanced life.
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Right living
for a householder or layperson involves prudence, self-control, and a
balanced lifestyle. Notice the negative psychological effect when you
are in debt or living beyond your means, and notice also the harmful
effects of extravagance and self-indulgence. Contrast these to the sense
of contentment and security that comes from living in equilibrium, when
your income and expenses are in harmony with each other.
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Tomorrow: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given
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