[RalfDweflywex]

I was just wondering if there was any quotes on the precepts in general. Because like our discussion on this forum for the justification of violence/killing, I thought it would make sense for the Buddha to mention rational self defense, or somewhere that the precepts are just general guidelines, and not to be taken as strict doctrine in any and every case.

The Buddha, being Enlightened when He gave the 5 Precepts for the lay followers and the ordained, said these are the way to live a morally proper life. We as humans always want to have exceptions to the "rules" we're given. They don't make sense to us as we are ignorant. As I understand the Precepts, there is no room for exceptions. Killing, no matter why, is killing, stealing no matter why is stealing.......ect

And that is silly to give a precept to all living beings, because there are alot of beings, animals, that simply will not survive without killing prey. That is just the nature/biology of many predatorial animals/insects. The animal realm, is a lower realm where no positive Karma can be gained. But by chance, as the animals that live in my home, they can hear the Dharma and possibly it helps their bad Karma to ripen quicker. This is from the Mahayana view.

I really suggest studying and meditating to help realize that there is no exceptions to the teachings/precepts they are the truth. I mean no disrespect to you in saying that many of your posts keep seeking justification for violence or killing. In Buddhism as I understand there is none.

With Metta