| The teachings of the Buddha are very simple and do | | | | breakdown of a society. The Sangha (the public) |
| not need intellectual exercise. The Buddha taught the | | | | should set the example of good moral conduct. I am |
| Four Noble Truths which include the Noble Eightfold | | | | sure that most of the lamas conduct themselves in the |
| Path. There are within the Eightfold Path a list of | | | | right way. One should not say bad things about the |
| precepts which are intended to lead a person toward | | | | lamas. If you observe bad conduct by a lama then you |
| peace, calm and nibbana (or Nirvana). Every day in the | | | | should talk to him about this issue. The Buddha left the |
| morning and evening one should meditate on the | | | | decision of conduct up to each individual. He never said |
| transient nature of existence. One cannot meditate if | | | | that we should instruct the lay youth to not drink or not |
| one's mind is clouded by intoxicants like alcohol or | | | | do this or not do that. the elders of the community |
| drugs. Young people see their elders not observing the | | | | should observe the precepts, of course, but it is not |
| precepts so why should they? This is a sign of the | | | | easy. |