i was forwarded this message from a friend and i have benelfed much.
so i hope to share this message with all of you so that you can
create a better life for yourself. These came from the teachings of
the Buddha but it reflect the law of nature, cause and effect and
can be practice by people of all religion.


ARIYAN TEACHINGS - to create a better life




EVERY ACTION HAS ITS CONSEQUENCE

5 Basic Virtues

1. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from killing.
2. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from stealing.
3. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from sexual
misconduct.
4. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from lying.
5. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from liquor that
causes intoxication and heedlessness.

The Consequences of Breaking or Observing the Five Precepts

The Consequences of Killing Sentient Beings
Whosoever kills any living being will be reborn in one of the four
lower abodes after death. Even when he is freed from there and is
again reborn as a man, he will encounter the following
evil consequences:
1. Having physical deformities and disfigurements,
2. Being ugly,
3. Being pale and feeble,
4. Being dull and inactive,
5. Being easily frightened when confronted with danger,
6. Being killed by other or facing death in youth,
7. Suffering from many diseases,
8. Having few friends, and
9. Being separated from beloved ones.
On the other hand the one who abstains from killing sentient beings
will enjoy the benefits
which are the opposite of the above consequences.

Consequences of Stealing
Stealing includes taking other's things without asking for the
permission of the owner, and taking other's properties by force or
by cheating or by trick. Whosoever commits stealing will be reborn
in one of the four lower abodes when he dies. Even when he is freed
from there and is again reborn as a man, he encounter the following
evil consequences:
1. Being poor,
2. Having the bodily and mental suffering,
3. Being tortured by hunger and starvation,
4. Having unfulfilled wishes,
5. Having unstable and easily perishable fortune.
6. Having properties destroyed by five the enemies, namely flood,
fire, thieves, bad inheritors and bad rulers. On the other hand the
one who from stealing will enjoy the benefits which are the opposite
of the above consequences.

The Consequences of Sexual Misconduct
Whosoever has sexual relation with person other than one's spouse is
said to have committed sexual misconduct. That person will be reborn
in one of the lower abodes when dies. Even if he is freed from there
and again reborn as a human being, he will encounter the following
evil consequences:
1. Being disgusted by others.
2. Having many enemies.
3. Lacking of wealth and prosperity,
4. Being deprived of happiness,
5. Being reborn as a woman,
6. Being reborn as a sexual pervert,
7. Being reborn in the inferior lineage,
8. Encountering disgrace,
9. Having physical deformities,
10. Being separated from beloved ones,
11. Being inflicted with the loss of wealth.
On the other hand, the one who abstains from sexual misconduct, will
enjoy the benefits which are the opposite of the above consequences.

The Consequences of Telling Lies
Telling what is not true by gesture or by words with malicious
intention is committing the action of falsehood. The gravity of that
offence corresponds to the amount of harm done on others. The liar
will have to suffer in the miserable realms after his death. If he
were to be reborn in the human world he will be afflicted with the
following defects:
1. poor pronunciation,
2. uneven teeth,
3. foul breath.,
4. unhealthy complexion,
5. poor eyesight and poor hearing,
6. defective appearance,
7. lack of influence on others,
8. harshness of speech, and
9. restlessness of the mind.
On the other hand the one who abstains from telling lies will enjoy
the benefits which are the oppsite of the above consequences.

The Consequences of Indulging in Intoxicants
Intoxicants and narcotic drugs such as alcoholic, liquors, opium,
cocaine and heroin are addictive. Consuming any of these leads to
the drunkeness, forgetfulness and lack of common sense. These in
turn lead to murder, lying and adultery, etc. Moreover the user of
intoxicants or narcotic drugs will enjoy poor health, die young and
will be reborn in woeful abodes.Even when he is freed from there and
is again reborn as a human being, he will encounter the following
evil consequences;
1. lack of intelligence.
2. being lazy,
3. lack of mindfulness.
4. being ungrateful.
5. lack of moral shame and moral dread;
6. insanity, and
7. tendency to commit all evil deeds.
On the other hand he who abstains from consuming intoxicants will
enjoy the benefits which are the opposite of the above evil
consequences.



Extra 5 Virtues for Laymen, Holy men, Nuns, Monks

6. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from untimely
eating.
7. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from dancing,
singing, music, and visiting unseemly shows.
8. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from the use of
garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, and embellishments.
9. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from the use of
high and luxurious beds.
10. I undertake to abide by the precept to abstain from accepting
gold and silver.

Good deeds that produces Happiness

Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise,
and to honor those worthy of honor -- this is the highest blessing.

To reside in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious
actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right direction --
this is the highest blessing.

Vast learning, skill in handicrafts, well grounded in discipline,
and pleasant speech -- this is the highest blessing.

To support one's father and mother; to cherish one's wife and
children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupations -- this is the
highest blessing.

Liberality, righteous conduct, rendering assistance to relatives,
and performance of blameless deeds -- this is the highest blessing.

To cease and abstain from evil, to abstain from intoxicating drinks,
and diligent in performing righteous acts -- this is the highest
blessing.

Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing
of the Dhamma (Cosmic Law), the teaching of the Buddha, -- this is
the highest blessing.

Patience, obedience, meeting the Samanas (holy men), and timely
discussions on the Dhamma -- this is the highest blessing.

Self-control, chastity, comprehension of the Noble Truths, and the
realization of Nibbana -- this is the highest blessing.

The mind that is not touched by the vicissitudes of life (ups and
downs in life), the mind that is free from sorrow, stainless, and
secure -- this is the highest blessing.

Those who have fulfilled the conditions (for such blessings) are
victorious everywhere, and attain happiness everywhere -- To them
these are the highest blessings.



Causes of Downfall and Unhappiness

Easily known is the progressive one, easily known is the declining
one. The lover of the Dhamma prospers. The hater of the Dhamma
declines.

The vicious are dear to him. He likes not the virtuous; he approves
the teachings of the ill-natured -- this is the cause of his
downfall.

The man who is fond of sleep and company, inactive and lazy, and
manifesting anger- this is the cause of his downfall.

Whoever being affluent, does not support his mother and father who
are old, and past their prime -- this is the cause of his downfall.

Whoever by falsehood deceives either a brahmana, or a samana (a holy
man), or any other mendicant -- this is the cause of his downfall.

The person who is possessed of much wealth, who has gold, and who
has an abundance of food, but enjoys his delicacies all by himself --
this is the cause of his downfall.

The man who, proud of his birth, of his wealth, and of his clan,
despises his relations -- this is the cause of his downfall.

The man who is addicted to women (given to a life of debauchery), is
a drunkard, a gambler, and a squanderer of his earnings -- this is
the cause of his downfall.

Not satisfied with one's own wives, he is seen among the whores and
the wives of others -- this is the cause of his downfall.

A person past his youth takes as wife, a girl in her teens, and
sleeps not being jealous of her-- this is the cause of his downfall.

He who places in authority a woman given to drink and squandering,
or a man of similar nature -- this is the cause of his downfall.

He who having but little possessions but great ambition (greed), is
of warrior birth and aspires selfishly to (an unattainable)
sovereignty -- this is the cause of his downfall.


Evil Deeds that considered Outcast by Saints and Holy Men

Whosoever is angry, harbors hatred, and is reluctant to speak well
of others (discredits the good of others), perverted in views,
deceitful -- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever in this world kills living beings, once born or twice
born, in whom there is no sympathy for living beings -- know him as
an outcast.

Whosoever destroys and besieges villages and hamlets and becomes
notorious as an oppressor -- know him as an outcast.

Be it in the village, or in the forest, whosoever steals what
belongs to others, what is not given to him -- know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever having actually incurred a debt runs away when he is
pressed to pay, saying, 'I owe no debt to you' -- know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever coveting anything, kills a person going along the road,
and grabs whatever that person has -- know him as an outcast.

He who for his own sake or for the sake of others or for the sake of
wealth, utters lies when questioned as a witness -- know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever by force or with consent associates with the wives of
relatives or friends -- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever being wealthy supports not his mother and father who have
grown old -- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever strikes and annoys by (harsh) speech, mother, father,
brother, sister or mother-in-law or father-in-law -- know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever when questioned about what is good, says what is
detrimental, and talks in an evasive manner- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever having committed an evil deed, wishes that it may not be
known to others, and commits evil in secret -- know him as an
outcast.

Whosoever having gone to another's house, and partaken of choice
food, does not honor that host by offering food when he repays the
visit -- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever deceives by uttering lies, a brahman or an ascetic, or any
other mendicant -- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever when a brahman or ascetic appears during mealtime angers
him by harsh speech, and does not offer him (any alms) -- know him
as an outcast.

Whosoever in this world, shrouded in ignorance, speaks harsh words
or falsehood expecting to gain something -- know him as an outcast.

Whosoever debased by his pride, exalts himself and belittles other --
know him as an outcast.

Whosoever is given to anger, is miserly, has base desires, and is
selfish, deceitful, shameless and fearless (in doing evil) -- know
him as an outcast.

Whosoever reviles the Enlightened One (the Buddha; Omniscience
Saint), or a disciple of the Buddha, recluse or a householder --
know him as an outcast.

Whosoever not being an Arahant (Saint), a Consummate One, pretends
to be so, is a thief in the whole universe -- he is the lowest of
outcasts.


Unwholesome course of action should be avoided

A: Bodily action
1. Killing or destruction of life
2. Stealing or taking what is not given
3. Sexual misconduct or all kinds of bodily harm

B: Verbal action
4. False speech
5. Malicious speech
6. Harsh speech
7. Frivolous talk or gossip

C: Mental action
8. Covetousness
9. Ill will
10. Wrong views

10 Moral Deeds that produces Good Effects

i. Charity (dana) is giving, or generosity. It is the volition of
giving one's possessions to others, or sharing them liberally. The
intention is more important than the value of the gift.
To get the best results one should give respectfully, while aspiring
to attain Nibbana. When giving food to a monk, one should approach
within arms-reach, putting the offering into his hands or onto
something held by him. If it is after midday or before dawn, food
should not be given into his hands, but it can be put down near him
to be offered later. Money should never be given to a monk, nor put
down near him, but it may be given to a lay person such as a temple
attendant or trustee, with instructions to provide whatever the monk
needs, or to provide whatever suitable things one wants to give.
Alcohol, weapons, foolish entertainments, bribes, or anything else
that corrupts morality should not be given to anyone, as this is
unwholesome kamma (adhamma dana). The beneficial effects of giving
are wealth, the fulfilment of one's wishes, long-life, beauty,
happiness and strength.

ii. Morality (sila) is the volition of refraining from evil. It is
the volition of right speech, right action, and right livelihood.
The beneficial effects of morality are rebirth in noble families or
in heavenly planes, beauty, fame, and having many friends.

iii. Mental Culture (bhavana) is the volition when one practises
tranquillity meditation (samatha); or it is the development of
insight by repeatedly contemplating mental and physical phenomena.
Learning to recite suttas and gathas by heart is also included in
mental culture. The beneficial effects of mental culture are
development of wisdom, good reputation, and rebirth in higher planes.

iv. Reverence (apacayana) is the volition of paying respect to
Saints like the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha; to one's parents and
elders, to teachers, to others who lead virtuous lives,
holy men or to shrines, images, and pagodas. The beneficial effects
of reverence are noble parentage, commanding respect, and
influential positions.

v. Service (veyyavacca) is the volition of helping virtuous people,
those about to set out on a journey; the sick, the old, and the
feeble. The beneficial effects of service are having a
large following and many friends.

vi. Transference of Merit (pattidana) is the volition of asking
others to participate in wholesome deeds and thereby to share in the
resultant merit. When doing any wholesome deeds such as giving alms,
listening to Dhamma, or practising meditation, one can multiply the
benefits by urging family and friends to participate. The beneficial
effects of transference of merit is the ability to give in abundance.

vii. Rejoicing in Other's Merit (pattanumodana) is the volition of
rejoicing in the good deeds or virtue of others. When friends or
family members do wholesome deeds, even if one cannot
participate, one can make wholesome actions by giving them
encouragement. The beneficial effect of rejoicing in others' merit
is finding joy wherever one is born.

viii. Listening to the Dhamma (dhammassavana) is the volition of
listening to or reading Dhamma (Ariyan Teachings) with a pure
intention to gain morality, concentration, or insight;
or to learn the Dhamma to teach others. The traditional way to
listen to Dhamma is to sit on a lower seat than the speaker, with
eyes downcast and hands held together, with one's feet
pointing away from the speaker. Shoes, head coverings, and weapons
should be removed. If the speaker is standing, then one should also
stand. The essential point is to be attentive and respectful. The
beneficial effect of listening to the Dhamma is the development of
wisdom.

ix. Teaching the Dhamma (Cosmic Law, the Truth, Law of Nature,
Ariyan teachings) is the volition of teaching Dhamma motivated by
compassion, without any ulterior motive to get offerings, honour,
praise, or fame. The beneficial effects of teaching the Dhamma are a
pleasing voice and the development of wisdom.

x. Straightening One's Views (ditthijjukamma) is the volition to
establish right understanding (samma ditthi). If one does not
understand what a monk says, or disagrees, one should ask
pertinent questions. When buying gold or gems people question the
seller about their purity. The beneficial effect of straightening
one's views is intelligence and the attainment of nibbana (End of
Suffering)

Right view is of two kinds: mundane and supramundane. Mundane right
view means belief in kamma; or the belief that as we sow, so shall
we reap. This right view is found in all religions. An educated
Buddhist will also believe in the tenfold mundane right view as
follows: 1) there is a benefit in giving alms, 2) there is a benefit
of grand offerings, 3) there is a benefit of trivial gifts, 4) there
is a result of good and evil deeds, 5) there is special significance
of deeds done to one's mother, 6) there is special significance of
deeds done to one's father, 7) there are spontaneously arisen beings
such as deities, ghosts, and brahmas, 8) there is this human world,
9) there are other worlds, such as heaven and hell, 10) there are
some people who, by the power of concentration, can see beings
reborn in other worlds.

Supramundane right view means right understanding of the four noble
truths, which includes the realisation of nibbana, eradication of
self-view or ego, attaining permanent stability in morality and
unshakeable confidence in the Triple Gem.


Those interested can go to.......
http://accesstoinsight.org/
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/buddhism/
..........to seek more knowledge.