Buddhist Precepts
To be a Buddhist, one take refuge in the Triple Gems. The Buddha, The Dhamma, The Sangha for one's direction. Devotion is not the main path in Buddhist belief, but practice of good morality. All Buddhists are encouraged to observe Buddhist Precepts, that can be in five, eight or ten. The practice of precepts help to cultivate compassion, generosity, contentment, truthfulness and mindfulness. Every Buddhists should try to observe at least FIVE PRECEPTS in order to elevate himself morally and spiritually.
Buddhist Five Main Precepts (PANCA SILA) Panati-pata veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
Adinna-dana veramani sikkhi padam samadiyami
Musavada veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
Kamesu miccha~cara veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
Sura meraya-maija-pama~datthana veramani sikkha padam samadiyami
1. Refrain From Killing
2. Refrain from Stealing
3. Refrain from Lying, Slandering, Gossiping and Spreading Rumours
4. Refrain from Sexual Misconduct
5. Refrain from Taking Intoxicants
Buddhist Eight Precepts
In many Buddhist countries, devout Buddhists observe the EIGHT PRECEPTS on Full Moon and New Moon days. They spend 24 hours in the temple from early the morning to break away from this material and sensual world. The idea is to withdraw from our daily life of hustle and bustle to cultivate spiritual development, self training and peace of mind.
1. Abstain from Taking Life.2. Abstain from Stealing.
3. Abstain from Speaking unnecessary.
4. Abstain from Sexual Activity.
5. Abstain from Taking Intoxicants.
6. Abstain from Taking meals at inappropriate time.
7. Abstain from Entertaining, Dancing, Singing, Use of beauty products & perfumes.
8. Abstain from Seating on high and luxurious chairs and beds.
The 10 Rules and 75 Precepts of Samanera (Novice Monk)
SAMANERASIKKHA
These Ten Precepts are to be observed at all time:
1. Refrain from taking lives.
2. Refrain from taking what is not given.
3. Refrain from un-chastity.
4. Refrain from speaking false speeches.
5. Refrain from taking intoxicants
6. Refrain from taking food at inappropriate time.
7. Refrain from dancing, singing playing music and watching entertainment programs.
8. Refrain from using perfume, cosmetics, wearing of garland.
9. Refrain from using high chairs and sleeping on luxurious bed.
10. Refrain from accepting gold and silver (money)
On top of the 10 strict precepts, samaneras also have to observe 75 rules, which are also observed by bhikkhus (full-fledge monk)
