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NEWS | EASTERN HORIZON 59

high levels of observing the Five Precepts are less likely of depression, more research would be needed to prove a
to develop depressive symptoms. Implications as well as causal relationship.
possible future research are discussed.” (PLOS One)
x “Like resilience or equanimity, observing the Five Precepts
Although the study was small in size, comprising 644 is a positive attribute that can be learned or acquired,
respondents in Thailand, and relied on self-reported while neuroticism is a trait that is more likely to be
outcomes, the authors—researchers led by Nahathai difficult to change,” the researchers explained in their
Wongpakaran at Thailand’s Chiang Mai University study. “Cultivating the observance of the Five Precepts may
and Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church change the association between neuroticism, perceived
in Budapest—expressed confidence about the broad stress, and depressive symptoms.” (PLOS One)
applicability of their work.
A large proportion of the study participants were
The authors indicated that their study could inform female and people who lived alone. The extent of their
behavioral interventions for mental health wellness in involvement in Buddhist practice was not detailed,
general. They noted that the outcome was in line with although 93.3 per cent self-identified as Buddhists.
a growing body of research that pointed to the growing
scientific acceptance of mindfulness and meditation as “As hypothesized, observing the Five Precepts can be
meaningful tools for psychological well-being, even outside viewed as a behavioral control requiring many positive
of their original cultural and spiritual context. attributes to achieve,” the researchers noted. “The Five
Precepts are not only a part of the Ten Perfections,*
“Observing the Five Precepts should be encouraged to but are also viewed as a constitution of Right Speech,
practice as mindfulness meditation. Based on Buddhism, Right Livelihood, Right Action . . . of the Noble eightfold
it has been suggested to be practiced simultaneously,” the path, the principal teaching of Buddhism. As mentioned,
researchers observed. “Even though the Five Precepts [are] any attribute is not a standalone. Moral virtue requires
from Buddhist ideology, non-Buddhists may adhere to this a person to have Right View, Right Effort, or Right
observance as this self-control behavior seems to make Mindfulness for successful observance. This implies that
individuals adhering to it be regarded as a ‘no harm and a person who is practicing observing the Five Precepts
safe’ person for society. It would be interesting to study may have elevated levels of their positive mental strength
this issue in a non-Buddhist culture.” (PLOS One) during such periods.” (PLOS One)

The researchers in Thailand measured each respondent’s Thailand is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country,
levels of perceived stress, neuroticism, and depression. They with 93.5 per cent of the nation’s population of 69 million
compared their findings with how closely each respondent identifying as Buddhists, according to government census
observed the Five Precepts of Buddhism. data for 2018. The Southeast Asian kingdom has some
38,000 Buddhist temples and almost 300,000 monks.
The Five Precepts form the foundation of an ethical life While communities of female renunciants also exist, the
and the Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path toward liberation monastic authorities in Thailand have never officially
from suffering for oneself and all beings, according to the recognized the full ordination of women, and bhikkhunis do
Buddhist teaching, with undertakings to: not generally enjoy the same level of societal acceptance as
their male counterparts.
1. Abstain from taking life
2. Abstain from taking what is not given * The Ten Perfections (Skt: paramitas; Pali: paramis):
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct Generosity; Virtue; Renunciation; Discernment;
4. Abstain from false speech Equanimity; Patience; Persistence; Truthfulness;
5. Abstain from indulging in intoxicants Determination; Loving-kindness

The researchers noted that while their study suggests Source: Buddhist Door Global. www.buddhistdoor.net
potential benefits from the Five Precepts in the context EH