Buddhism

Buddhism

Buddhism and Divorce

Buddhism and Divorce
Buddhism does not view marriage as a “sacrament”, this concept does not exist. It does not require a monk to join their marriage. They view marriage as a civil affair. Therefore it does not have to abide by any religious rulings or hold any merit if they divorce. It is no part of any of the Buddhist teaching. (M. O’C. Walshe, p3)
In getting married, the newly wed’s take on responsibility to each other and to their children.   If they follow the five precepts of Buddhism, chances are they will have a successful marriage or at least increase their chances of success. “While Buddhism neither encourages nor discourages marriage, it does offer some guidelines for it.” (Wikipedia) Although it does not teach any particular form of the family, most Buddhist family life is driven from pre-existing cultural and religion values, and customs. Through the five precepts, Buddhist followers are bound by ethical mandates promoting personal virtues. The five precepts are:
To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings. This precept applies to all living beings not just humans. All beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected.
To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. This precept goes further than mere stealing. One should avoid taking anything unless one can be sure that is intended that it is for you.
To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure such as gluttony as well as misconduct of a sexual nature.
To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. As well as avoiding lying and deceiving, this precept covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others.
To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. This precept is...