The Five Precepts
An Ancient Gift
The Five Precepts
An Ancient Gift
The Buddha taught us that ethics is the foundation for all of the good qualities we can develop in the mind. By following five basic training rules we can eliminate worry and regret that disturbs our meditation. As well, we avoid all the unpleasant results of unwholesome actions.
These are the five basic ethical rules the Buddha asked his lay disciples to follow:
- I observe the precept of abstaining from killing living beings. This means not intentionally causing the death of any living beings.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from stealing. This means not taking things that do not belong to us.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct. This means not having sex with people we are not married to and with people against their will.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from telling lies. This means saying what is true at the proper time.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from using intoxicating drinks and drugs. By following this precept we are committed to having a clear mind at all times.
Buddhists will usually remind themselves of their commitment to keep these precepts by reciting them once a day. The also take the precepts when they come to a monastery.
When we realize we have broken a precept, we can immediately make the determination to follow it in the future. The Buddha taught us that even this intention is extremely powerful for our mental development.
It is important when we have doubts about the precepts to ask a knowledgeable good friend so we can have confidence in our actions. Sometimes we think we have broken a precept when we really haven’t. Sometimes we even think it is impossible to keep the precepts because of some misunderstanding.
Even though it is often difficult to keep the precepts, especially at the beginning, we will quickly see the benefits. When we meditate our minds won’t be troubled by worry and regret. When we think about the many bad results we have avoided by keeping the precepts, we will have a tremendous gratitude for the compassion of our teacher, the Supreme Buddha.
The Buddha called these ethical guidelines “great gifts” because of the immeasurable peace and comfort that following them brings to those people around us.
The Buddha also encouraged his lay disciples to observe some additional precepts as often as they could. They are known as the Eight Precepts.
Can I break the precepts accidentally?
No, the Five Precepts cannot be broken accidentally. So, for example, if while we are walking we accidentally step on an insect, this does not break the precept of killing. If we unknowingly say something that is not true but we think it is, that does not break the precept of lying.
What if I break a precept?
This is totally normal and should be expected. We can’t do anything about the past other than re-commit to following the precept in the future. In the moment you realize you have broken a precept, reflect on what happened and determine to follow it in the future. This is why many people recite the precepts in the morning and evening each day. This has the double purpose of reminding us to follow the precepts as well as knowing that we are starting with a clean slate.
What if I broke the precepts in the past?
It’s fair to say that most people have broken precepts at some point in the past. The Buddha taught that it is not really helpful to spend time regretting things we have done in the past. What is helpful is trying to keep the precepts now.
Does eating meat count as killing?
No. Killing is killing and eating is eating. However if we tell someone to kill an animal, for any reason, that breaks the precept against killing. If we buy meat that was not killed at our request, that does not break the precept.
Does taking prescription drugs break the 5th precept?
No, not if they are prescribed by a doctor and are taken as instructed.
The Eight Precepts
The Buddha encouraged his lay disciples to follow extra training rules as often as they could. They are an enhanced version of the Five Precepts they follow every day.
The Eight Precepts:
- Abstaining from killing
- Abstaining from stealing
- Abstaining from sexual activity
- Abstaining from telling lies
- Abstaining from intoxicating drinks and drugs
- Abstaining from eating after noon
- Abstaining from entertainment and beautifying the body
- Abstaining from using luxurious furniture
The Buddha encouraged his lay-followers to keep the Five Precepts (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants) for as long as life lasts. He also recommended that they follow some additional precepts as often as possible. These are known as the Uposatha Precepts, or simply the Eight Precepts. They are traditionally observed on the full-moon days (uposatha), but they can be taken at any time.
Following these extra precepts gives us the opportunity to practice some of the renunciation that monks and nuns follow every day. The precept on abstaining from sexual misconduct is changed to abstaining from any kind of sexual activity at all. The last three involve giving up other forms of enjoyment. We limit the food we eat by not taking solid food in the afternoon. We give up entertainment and beautifying our bodies. And we use only very simple furniture.
Giving up these things, even just temporarily, helps us to recognize and reduce our attachments. By spending time without these things, we have the opportunity to focus on practicing meditation and experiencing a happiness not based on material things.
We know that those who follow the Buddha’s teaching to the highest goal of enlightenment give up these things completely. So when we spend time following these training rules, we can remember that we are imitating these great spiritual beings. When we understand the benefit of practicing in this way, we can make our minds happy simply remembering the time that we have practiced with this extra dedication.
Lay people can follow these precepts as often as they like. Traditionally, Buddhists come together to observe these precepts, listen to teachings, and practice meditation on the full and new moon days. Here in Winnipeg, you can take them if you like at our daylong retreat.
If you have questions about following these precepts on your own or with a group, please speak with one of the monks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to wear white?
No. It is beneficial to wear white, but not essential. Some people wear a white shirt and any color pants. Traditionally, people often wear a white piece of cloth over their left shoulder and pinned together at the waste under the right arm.
What can be eaten in the evening?
Fruit juice, water, sugar, honey, rock candy. Tea and coffee can be taken without milk.
What should I sleep on?
Try and sleep on the simplest bed possible, using the most basic bedding you have. It is good if you can put the mattress on the floor.
How do I take the precepts on my own?
Most people will first recite the Three Refuges and then simply recite the eight precepts out loud.
How do I stop observing the 8 precepts?
Simply take the five precepts on your own.
Can I observe the 8 precepts on any day?
Absolutely. Traditionally, people will observe them on full and new moon days. But the Buddha encouraged people to observe them as often as possible.
What if I forget and eat something in the afternoon?
This is very easy to do if we are observing the precepts at home or anywhere outside a group setting. Don’t worry. Simply mentally determine to take the precept again. You may find that wearing white helps you remember. You may even like to put up a sign on the fridge.
Do I have to stay home and meditate all day while observing the Eight Precepts?
No. It is traditional, and of course very beneficial, to devote the day to Dhamma practice. But it is still beneficial to keep the precepts on a day when we may not be able to dedicate ourselves entirely to spiritual practice.
