Do animal observe five precepts?

Exploring Theravāda's connections to other paths - what can we learn from other traditions, religions and philosophies?
SarathW
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Re: Do animal observe five precepts?

Post by SarathW »

As many of you pointed out the critical factor here is the intention or the wisdom.

Interestingly similar question to OP is raised in the following discussion.

Q1: What will happen to a spay/neuter dog.
Q2: What will happen to a spay/neuter human.

A1: Due to ignorance the dog will still be a dog hence good re-birth cannot be expected. (unless dog had other wholesome merits)
A2: If human can exercise his wisdom he still can have the same wholesome effect even if he is spay/neuter.

Please note there is no English translation.
The discussion is in Sinhala (Sri Lankan) language
http://www.waharaka.com/deshana/listen. ... d=CD095-18" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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DNS
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Re: Do animal observe five precepts?

Post by DNS »

ihrjordan wrote: This is sadly not true as rape is all too common in the animal kingdom and I belive it is this observance among early buddhists which nurtured their disdain for the very idea of sex.
According to this article, it is rare in the Animal Kingdom, although I am sure if one looked one could find various views among different biologists and articles.

"Rape—though it exists—is a rarity in the animal kingdom."

rape in the animal kingdom
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DNS
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Re: Do animal observe five precepts?

Post by DNS »

SarathW wrote: A1: Due to ignorance the dog will still be a dog hence good re-birth cannot be expected. (unless dog had other wholesome merits)
A2: If human can exercise his wisdom he still can have the same wholesome effect even if he is spay/neuter.
IIRC, the Vinaya prohibits neutered males from ordaining; perhaps due to the fact that it is forced upon them, rather than a choice (celibacy).

However, I agree with your conclusions, as long as the mental state is still wholesome, as you say.
SarathW
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Re: Do animal observe five precepts?

Post by SarathW »

The following Sutta may relevant to this topic.

“Of the two persons without blemish, the one who does not know, as it really is, there is no blemish is the inferior one. The one who knows as it really is, there is no blemish in me is the superior.”


http://awake.kiev.ua/dhamma/tipitaka/2S ... ta-e1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
Ontheway
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Re: Do animal observe five precepts?

Post by Ontheway »

Some Nagas keep Uposatha Sila according to Samyutta Nikaya...

http://www.suttas.com/chapter-8-naga-sa ... nagas.html

In Bhuridatta Jātaka, the Bodhisatta (a Naga) kept Uposatha Sila.
https://suttacentral.net/ja543/en/cowell-rouse
780149ddfa09fbd86eb140fe6810d770_XL.jpg
Bhuridatta Naga captured
phuritad.jpg
Showcased in market
Hiriottappasampannā,
sukkadhammasamāhitā;
Santo sappurisā loke,
devadhammāti vuccare.

https://suttacentral.net/ja6/en/chalmer ... ight=false
form
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Re: Do animal observe five precepts?

Post by form »

SarathW wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2016 3:01 am I just wonder whether animal such as cows naturally observe five precepts hence lead to a good destination after death.
May be, it is not a very sensible argument but what is the difference between human observing five precepts to animals.
:thinking:
I think generally they must have strong dispositions to certain defilements that made them rebirth as animals.
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