PRECEPTS, THE FIVE, EIGHT AND TEN

A precept (sikkhāpada) is a self-imposed rule or discipline. The moral rules that all Buddhists commit themselves to and try to live by are called the five Precepts (paṭcasīla). They are (1) not to harm living beings, (2) not to steal, (3) not to engage in sexual misconduct, (4) not to lie and (5) not to take alcohol or other intoxicating drugs. In following these Precepts one gradually develops a respect for the life of others, for their property, their dignity, their right to know the truth and a respect for the clarity of one's own mind. The Buddha called the practice of these Precepts a consideration to others which 'creates love and respect and which is conducive to helpfulness, non-dispute, harmony and unity' (A.III,287). On another occasion, he called virtue 'freedom-giving' and 'conducive to concentration' (A.III,132). He also mentioned that one of the most important benefits of practising the Precepts is that one experiences 'the happiness of being blameless' (anavajja sukha, D.I,70). In other words, Buddhists practices the five Precepts because they care about their own and others welfare and happiness.

In addition to these Precepts, serious Buddhists will try to practise the eight Precepts (aṭṭhasīla) at least on the half and full moon days of every month. The eight Precepts are the same as the five except that the third is replaced by sexual abstinence and the additional three Precepts are: (6) not to eat after midday (7), to abstain from dancing, singing, playing or listening to music, personal adornment and makeup, and (8) not to use high seats or beds. It will be noticed that while the five Precepts pertain to moral behaviour, the last three of the eight Precepts add behaviour that is conducive to simplicity, peace and reflection. Novice monks and nuns are expected to practise the ten Precepts (dasasīla) in preparation for their monastic life. These ten are: (1) not to harm living beings, (2) not to steal, (3) to abstain from sexual behaviour, (4) not to lie, (5) not to take alcohol or intoxicating drugs, (6) not to eat after midday, (7) to abstain from dancing, singing and musical entertainment, (8) to abstain from adornment and makeup, (9) not to use high seats or couches and (10) not to use gold and silver, i.e. money.