Episode 166 - Restraint

<p dir="ltr">The practice of restraint is a crucial part of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. It involves abstaining from harmful thoughts, speech, and actions that lead to suffering for oneself and others. In this episode, we look at the practice of restraint to protect and help ourselves. The Buddha speaks so much about the wisdom of guarding the sense doors and practicing restraint. For if we don't practice restraint at all, we have no control over where our life is headed. We are like a wheel spinning out of control.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Guarding the sense doors: </p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">eye</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">ear</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">nose</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">tongue</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">body </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">mind</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Restraint is part of the practice of ethical discipline, one of the three pillars of Buddhist training, along with universal compassion and wisdom. Restraint is essential for cultivating virtue and good karma and developing a calm and focused mind. By restraining from harmful actions, we purify our minds and develop a sense of self-control and discipline.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">In Buddhism, the practice of restraint is guided by the Five Precepts, which are basic ethical guidelines that many lay followers vow to live by. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">These Five Precepts are:</p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Refrain from taking the life of any living being</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Refrain from taking what is not given</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Refrain from