Eight Precepts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Eight Precepts are the precepts for Buddhist lay men and women who wish to practice a bit more strictly than the usual five precepts for Buddhists. The eight precepts focus both on avoiding morally bad behaviour, and on leading a more ascetic lifestyle. The five precepts, however, focus only on avoiding morally bad behaviour.
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In Theravada Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand, Buddhist laymen and laywomen will often spend one day a week (on the Uposatha days: the new moon, first-quarter moon, full moon and last-quarter moon days) living in the monastery, and practicing the eight precepts.
The Buddha gave teachings on how the eight precepts are to be practiced,[1] and on the right and wrong ways of practicing the eight precepts.[2]
- I undertake to abstain from taking life (both human and nonhuman).
- I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (stealing).
- I undertake to abstain from all sexual activity.
- I undertake to abstain from telling lies.
- I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
- I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is eating once, after sunrise, before noon).
- I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
- I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping.
[edit] See also
- Anagarika - one who keeps the eight precepts on a more permanent basis, or as preparation to ordain.
- Five precepts
- Ten precepts
- Patimokkha – 227 rules for monks (bhikkhus) and 311 for nuns (bhikkhunis)
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Eight precepts at Access to Insight website
