An Analytical Study of The Relationship Between The Pañca-Sila and The Pañca-Dhamma That Appear in Buddhism

Abstract

This documentary research aimed to 1) study Pañca-Sīla; 2) investigate Pañca-dhamma; and 3) analyze the relationship between Pañca-Sīla and Pañca-dhamma in Buddhism.

          The results were as follows:

1. Pañca-Sīla refers to ethical behavior in both actions and words, as well as discipline maintenance. The practice of abstaining from evil and controlling oneself to live harmlessly is called Nicca-Sīla. It means the precepts that should be kept constantly, consisting of 1) Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī (to abstain from killing); 2) Adinnādānā veramaṇī (to abstain from stealing, cheating, violating ownership, and damaging property); 3) Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī (to abstain from sexual misconduct); 4) Musāvādā veramaṇī (to abstain from false speech); and 5) Surāmeraya majjapamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī (to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness).
2. The findings of Pañca-dhamma study were as follows. In Buddhism, Pañca-dhamma are practiced alongside Pañca-Sīla, resulting in individual’s progress, safety, and goodness. The elements of Pañca-dhamma are as follows. 1) Mettā-karuṇā refers to loving-kindness and compassion. A person with compassion does not kill or harm others, aligning with the first precept of abstaining from taking life. 2) Sammā-ājīva, it means right livelihood. 3) Kāmasaṃvara (sexual restraint) focuses on mindfulness of the six senses (ears, eyes, nose, tongue, body, and mind) 4) Sacca (truthfulness) refers to truthful and useful speech, aligning with the fourth precept (abstaining from false speech). 5) Sati-sampajañña (mindfulness and awareness) places importance on remaining vigilant and not allowing mind to be controlled by negative influences or addictive substances, aligning with the fifth precept.
3. The relationship between Pañca-Sīla and Pañca-dhamma in Buddhism can be divided into the following 3 aspects. 1) Causal relationship: Pañca-Sīla and Pañca-dhamma in Buddhist teachings are mutually reinforcing. Pañca-Sīla focuses on limiting negative actions, while Pañca-dhamma helps cultivate morality. Hence, Pañca-Sīla sustainably supports the practices of Pañca-dhamma to provide the greatest positive outcome. 2) Doctrinal relationship: it encompasses fostering ethical behavior and moral development. Sīla serves as a practice framework that controls an individual’s behavior, while Dhamma significantly enhances mind development. 3) Procedural relationship: Pañca-Sīla and Pañca-dhamma, within a family context, are mutually supportive: Pañca-Sīla is a framework to control unhealthy family behavior, while Pañca-dhamma develops internal virtues, resulting in strengthening family relationships. Pañca-Sīla and Pañca-dhamma also play a vital role in social context: following Pañca-Sīla helps control harmful behaviors, while Pañca-dhamma guides individuals towards cultivating positive moral qualities, leading to smooth and sustainable society coexistence.