There are three fundamental modes of training in Buddhist practice: morality, concentration, and wisdom. The English word morality is used to translate into the Pali term sīla, although the Buddhist term contains its own particular connotations. The word sīla denotes a state of normalcy, a condition which is basically unqualified and unadulterated. When one practices sīla, one returns to one's own basic goodness, the original state of normalcy, unperturbed and unmodified. Killing a human being, for instance, is not basically human nature; if it were, human beings would have ceased to exist a long time ago. A person commits an act of killing because he or she is blinded by greed, rage or hatred. Such negative qualities as anger, hatred, greed, ill will, and jealousy are factors that alter people's nature and make them into something other than their true self. To practice sīla is thus to train in preserving one's true nature, not allowing it to be modified or overpowered by negative forces.
The five precepts (Pañca Sīla) are also recited in Pāli, and their meanings are generally known to most Buddhists. In the following, the original Pāli text is given in italics, and the corresponding English translation is given side by side:
1. Pāņātipātā veramaņī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I observe the precept of abstaining from killing.
2. Adinnādānā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I observe the precept of abstaining from stealing.
3. Kāmesu micchācārā veramani sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct.
4. Musāvādā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I observe the precept of abstaining from false speech.
5. Surāmerayamajjapamādatthānā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I observe the precept of abstaining from intoxicants causing heedlessness.
3.1 To abstain from killing (Paņātipātā Veramanī)
Meaning
The Buddha said, “Life is dear to all.” All beings fear death and value life, we should therefore respect life and not kill anything. This precept does not abstain only killing people but also any creature, especially if it is for money or sport. We should have an attitude of loving-kindness towards all beings, wishing them to be always happy and free. Caring for the Earth, its rivers, forests and air, is also included in this precept.
Five conditions of killing (Paņātipāta)
1. The being must be alive.
2. There must be the knowledge that it is a live being.
3. There must be an intention to cause death.
4. An act must be done to cause death.
5. There must be death, as the result of the said act.
If all the said five conditions are fulfilled, the first precept is violated.
Reading comprehension on Wild Deer Park
A long time ago, there was a beautiful forest. Many deer lived there. One day, a king took his men there to hunt. The king shot an arrow and hit a mother deer. She ran away in pain. Later the king found her hiding in some bushes with her baby deer. Even though she was bleeding and had tears in her eyes, she still fed her baby with milk. She soon died.
The king felt very sorry. He picked up the baby deer and said to it, “I will now care for you.” He then broke his bow in two. He said, “I’ll never hunt again.”
To remember that day, he named the forest Wild Deer Park.
Like people, animals also have feelings. We should not kill them for fun or sport. It is unkind and selfish.