Concept of Pancasila in Indian Thaought

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi

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The Concept of Pañcasila in Indian Thought
Buddhist monk can be discussed. The precept Pānātipāta Veramani is negative in nature only but has an equally strong positive implication. The Pāli formula runs as follows : “I solemnly undertake to observe the precept which enjoins abstention from doing injury to any living being.". It is included in silas which are enumerated almost in a stereotyped form in several discourses. In the Digha Nikāya the precept is discussed. as the first in the section of minor (cūla) silas that are divided there mainly as minor (cūla), middle (inajjhima) and major (mahā), of which the minor section contains actual precepts and the middle section discusses them in some detail, while the major one has no connection with these precepts. The precept of non-killing in Digha is stated like this: “The monk established in non-killing lays aside rods and weapons and extends kindness, good-will and modesty to all living beings."2 It further says that the monk is supposed not to hurt not only bigger living animals etc. but also seeds and plants and shrubs which have life. Later in the section of middle (majjhima) silas, the discussion on abstinence from injury to seeds, plants, etc., is further amplified; there it is said that five types of seeds and growing plants, whether propagated from roots or cuttings or joinis or buddings or seeds (mūlabija, khandabija, phalabija, aggabija and bijabija), are not to be injured by a monk. 4
1. qroriferniciacquft fganic Farfare I
--Khu. Pāķha, Dasasikkhāpadas. 2. पाणा तिपातं पहाय पाणातिपाता पटिविरतो समणो गोतमो निहितदण्डोनिहितसत्थो लज्जी दयापन्नो सब्बपाण भूत-हितानुकम्पो विहरति ति ।
-Digha., part I, Brahmajālasutta, Culasila. 3. 157-17THYAMATHITEHT afefacat Taht: -Ibid.' 4. एवं रूपं बीजगामभूतगामसमारम्भं अनुयुत्ता विहरन्ति, सेय्यथीदं
मूल बीजं खन्दबीजं फलुबीजं अग्गबीजं बीजबीजं एव पंचमं इति एव रूपा बीजगामभूतगामसमारम्भा पटिविर तो समणोगोतमो ।
-Ibid. Majjhima Sila.