Contents
Wasting life, causes of wasting life, things that should not be done to avoid
wasting life, etc., with reference to the Mahāmangala Sutta, Parābhava Sutta,
Vyagghapajja Sutta, and others.
Introduction
A person’s wasting of life can be observed in several ways: spiritually and morally, economically, in terms of health, and socially as an individual. There are many reasons for a person to waste life. Wasting life occurs when a person spends time without giving meaningful purpose to life. These points are especially highlighted for people who live an ordinary life.
Causes of
Personal Destruction According to Buddhism
01. Attachment to unworthy persons and neglecting worthy persons; following the
destructive teachings of unworthy persons.
02. Excessive indulgence in sleep.
03. Pleasure in constantly being among large crowds.
04. Laziness and sloth.
05. Lack of effort and diligence.
06. Constant anger and wrath.
07. Disrespecting parents; failing to attend to them.
08. Deceiving monks or priests.
09. Enjoying wealth alone regardless of others.
10. Excessive pride regarding one’s caste, wealth, or family.
11. Excessive attachment to inappropriate women/men.
12. Excessive indulgence in alcohol or intoxicating substances.
13. Indulgence in sensual pleasures.
Due to the
above factors, a person wastes life spiritually and morally, economically, in
terms of health, and socially.-(Parābhava
Sutta -)
Paths to a
Person’s Destruction
- Killing living beings.
- Stealing or taking what is not
given.
- Wrong sexual conduct.
- Lying.
Because of
these destructive paths, a person’s life becomes wasted and ruined. (Sigālōvāda Sutta) -
Additionally, a person is destroyed due to four special factors:
- Desire
- Fear
- Ignorance
- Hatred
A person
performs sinful actions due to desire, hatred, delusion, or fear. People do evil things out of strong
desire. They also do evil things out of strong hatred. They do evil things out
of fear to get rid of fear. They also do evil things out of ignorance or
delusion.
To Avoid
Destruction
- Don't associate with bad people.
- Guide the learned.
- Respect teachers and elders.
- Live in a peaceful and virtuous
environment.
- Be equipped with previous
merits and wholesome qualities.
- Care for parents.
- Properly nourish one’s
dependents.
- Treat relatives well.
- Learn many subjects; practice
various professions.
- Follow the Ten Wholesome
Dharmas and the Noble Eightfold Path.(Mahāmangala Sutta) -
Identifying
Individuals Who Lead Society to Destruction
- Does someone get angry quickly?
- Does someone harbour intense
enmity?
- Does someone defame others’
good names or reputation?
- Does someone have a distorted
view filled with illusion?
- Does someone engage in killing?
- Does someone lack compassion
and sympathy for all beings?
- Does someone steal what is not
given?
- Does someone avoid paying
debts?
- Does someone forcibly seize
others’ property?
- Does someone give false
testimony for money or other reasons?
- Does someone behave immorally?
- Does someone neglect parental
care?
- Does someone get angry with
parents, siblings, or relatives?
- Does someone conceal the truth?
Such a
person is considered to be on the path of destruction. (Vasala Sutta -)
Summary
Buddhism endorses
virtue. It rejects vice. It teaches that individuals fall into vice and
deteriorate because of intense desire, intense hatred, ignorance, and intense
fear.
Sources-
1 Mahamangala Sutta 2 Parabhava Sutta 3
Vyaggapajja Sutta 4 Sigalovada Sutta
Photo courtesy
https://pixabay.com/
key words
· Causes of wasting life
· Personal destruction in Buddhism
· Mahāmangala Sutta teachings
· Parābhava Sutta lessons
· Sigālōvāda Sutta advice
· Vasala Sutta guidance
· Buddhist moral principles
· Spiritual development in Buddhism
· Avoiding personal ruin
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