How to blog like a Buddhist?

Posted in Buddhism by amituofo on March 17, 2008

First of all, this idea of how to blog like a Buddhist? is not my original idea. Andrew G. R. from Blog Tutorial wrote it. Since mine is a blog on Buddhism I couldn’t help but to borrow & share his article. Pardon me but the credit still goes to you, Andrew.

The Five Precepts (Five of the 8 Buddhist Precepts) are the basic ethical requirements of Buddhism. Every buddhist should at least try to observe these five precepts in order to elevate himself morally and spiritually.

These 5 precepts are

1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
4. Do not make false speech
5. Do not take intoxicants

According to Andrew, these precepts can be applied to blogging and here’s how

1) Do not take life.

This one is pretty easy. Simply put, do not kill anyone today. Preserve human (and animal/plant) life and you’re 20% of the way home.

2) Do not steal.

Do not take words, images or ideas from others. You are a unique individual. Stop spending so much time trolling other blogs and write from your heart. Never take what is not freely given.

Oops, am I breaking this precept here? Wait, I have acknowledged on my opening line that this is not originally by me and the credit due has been given to its original author.

3) Do not engage in sexual misconduct.

This blog entry is operating on the premise that your blog content does not revolve around sex, gossip, drugs or any other topic that even the lay Buddhist would find unacceptable. Society is already drenched in enough sex, try your best to keep your blog free of innuendo and foul language.

4) Do not speak mistruths.

Your blog, regardless of topic, must be 100% honest. The biggest problem with lying is that you cloud other people’s perceptions, in turn, clouding up the foundation of Buddhism - mindfulness.
Included in this precept is avoiding slandering others or gossiping.

5) No drugs or alcohol.

The goal is to free our minds from unnecessary confusion. You might thing a drink or two gets the ideas flowing, but in reality, your best work will be written when you are of a clear mind.

Whether you are a Buddhist or follower of other religion’s belief, these basic 5 precepts can be a guide to your everyday’s life…..

and your everyday’s blogging.

That’s really the beauty of Buddhism of which its teachings are universal.

Read more articles tag with blog, buddhist, Morality, precepts.