Thích Nhất Hạnh’s interpretation of the Buddhist second precept
15
Nov
2023
Thích Nhất Hạnh’s interpretation of the Buddhist second precept is that true happiness is achieved by practicing generosity.
Various Dharma teachers have rephrased the Pali text in modern times in order to convey its true meaning. In some traditions, the precept is simply stated as “practice generosity”.
Other traditions involve refraining from taking what is not given. Philip Moffat, a Dharma teacher in the Theravadan tradition, suggests the phrase:
“To the best of my ability, I will take only what is freely given and vow to practice gratitude and generosity.”
