Eight Precepts
From Buddhist 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.
In Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand, Buddhist laymen and laywomen will often spend 1 day a week (on the eight waxing and waning days and on the full moon days) living in the monastery, and practicing the eight precepts.
The Buddha gave teachings on how the eight precepts are to be practiced <ref> Anguttara Nikaya 8.43</ref>,and on the right and wrong ways of practicing the eight precepts <ref> Anguttara Nikaya 3.70</ref>.
- 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 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.
See also
Anagarika - one who keeps the eight precepts on a more permanent basis, or as preparation to ordain.
Five precepts
Ten precepts
227 precepts (Patimokkha) (for monks and nuns)
References
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External links
Eight precepts] at Access to Insight website
