Eight Precepts

The Buddha developed the Eight Precepts so that lay people could have rules that would set up the conditions for a more direct path towards liberation (as opposed to a spiritual path without moral guidelines). Lay people who stay in the monastery overnight are asked to maintain the following precepts:

1. To undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature.
2. To undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. To undertake the precept to refrain from any kind of sexual activity.
4. To undertake the precept to refrain from false and harmful speech (which includes harsh, divisive, and frivolous speech).
5. To undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness.
6. To undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times (refraining from eating after midday).
7. To undertake the precept to refrain from entertainment, beautification and adornment.
8. To undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

If you have questions about these precepts or how to follow them, please use the Contact form for further information.