Question: Does it break any precept to enjoy pleasures of the senses, such as nice scenery, music, fragrances, flavours and tactile sensations?
Answer: If there is no sentient being, including oneself, harmed to experience these pleasures, this does not break the letter of any precepts.
However, if we reflect further, in the spirit of the precepts, what we ultimately should abstain from are the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion, which might lead to breaking of the precepts. That is, if the poisons are abstained from, none of the precepts will ever be broken in the letter or spirit. What the precepts aim to do is to lead us to have less and less, until none of the poisons, thus becoming enlightened.
Ultimately, the aim is to experience things as they are, without greed, hatred and delusion; with equanimity and wisdom instead. Incidentally, the Buddha was stated in at least one teaching to have exclaimed at scenery in our world being wonderful. It is possible to enjoy nature without attachment to it, just as we will enjoy the bliss of Pure Land without attachment to it, as nothing there will spur the rise of any poison.
To know if there is greed for, or attachment to any pleasant experience, walk away from it once in a while. (This is especially relevant to practise on Eight Precepts’ Days, since there should be simpler living then.) If there is neither greed nor attachment, there should be no sense of suffering, from pining for it, or wanting more of it. May we be liberated from possible addiction to unenlightened pleasures.
Related Article:
菩萨戒之《第三十六不发誓戒》之十三愿
Bodhisattva Precepts’ ‘Thirty-Sixth Precept Against Not Giving Rise To Vows’ Thirteen Vows
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2025/07/bodhisattva-precepts-thirty-sixth-precept-against-not-giving-rise-to-vows-thirteen-vows
