Five Precepts
The Five Precepts(Pali : Pancha Sila) constitute the basic buddhist code of ethics undertaken by lay followers(upasaka & upasika) of the Lord Buddha in the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. The Five Precepts are commitments to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Undertaking the five precepts is part of both lay Buddhist initiation and regular lay Buddhist devotional practices.
They are not formulated as imperatives, but as training rules that laypeople undertake voluntarily to facilitate practice
They are not formulated as imperatives, but as training rules that laypeople undertake voluntarily to facilitate practice
The following are the five precepts (pancha-sikkhapada/pansil) rendered in English and pali:
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life. (No killing)
(Panathipatha veramani sikkhapadan samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given. (No stealing)
(Adinnadana veramaṇi sikkhapadaṃ samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from sexual misconduct. (No sexual misconduct)
(Kamesu micchacara veramaṇi sikkhapadaṃ samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.(No lying )
(Musavada veramaṇi sikkhapadaṃ samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented drink that causes (No intoxicants) heedlessness.(Sura-meraya-majja-pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami)
(Panathipatha veramani sikkhapadan samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given. (No stealing)
(Adinnadana veramaṇi sikkhapadaṃ samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from sexual misconduct. (No sexual misconduct)
(Kamesu micchacara veramaṇi sikkhapadaṃ samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.(No lying )
(Musavada veramaṇi sikkhapadaṃ samadiyami)
I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented drink that causes (No intoxicants) heedlessness.(Sura-meraya-majja-pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami)
No killing
The Buddha said, "Life is dear to all beings. They have the right to live the same as we do." We should respect all life and not kill anything. Killing ants and mosquitoes is also breaking this precept. We should have an attitude of loving-kindness towards all beings, wishing them to be happy and free from harm. Taking care of the earth, its rivers and air is included. One way that many Buddhists follow this precept is by being vegetarian.
No stealing
If we steal from another, we steal from ourselves. Instead, we should learn to give and take care of things that belong to our family, to the school, or to the public.
No sexual misconduct
Proper conduct shows respect for oneself and others. Our bodies are gifts from our parents, so we should protect them from harm. Young people should especially keep their natures pure and develop their virtue. It is up to them to make the world a better place to live. In happy families, the husband and wife both respect each other.
No lying
Being honest brings peace into the world. When there is a misunderstanding, the best thing is to talk it over. This precept includes no gossip, no back-biting, no harsh words and no idle speech.
No intoxicants
The fifth precept is based on keeping a clear mind and a healthy body. One day, when the Buddha was speaking the Dharma for the assembly, a young drunkard staggered into the room. He tripped over some monks who were sitting on the floor and started cursing loudly. His breath reeked of alcohol and filled the air with a sickening stench. Mumbling to himself, he reeled out the door.
Little by little, one can learn to follow these precepts. If one sometimes forgets them, one can start all over again. Following the precepts is a lifetime job. If one kills or hurts someone's feelings by mistake, that is breaking the precepts, but it was not done on purpose.
The Buddha said, "Life is dear to all beings. They have the right to live the same as we do." We should respect all life and not kill anything. Killing ants and mosquitoes is also breaking this precept. We should have an attitude of loving-kindness towards all beings, wishing them to be happy and free from harm. Taking care of the earth, its rivers and air is included. One way that many Buddhists follow this precept is by being vegetarian.
No stealing
If we steal from another, we steal from ourselves. Instead, we should learn to give and take care of things that belong to our family, to the school, or to the public.
No sexual misconduct
Proper conduct shows respect for oneself and others. Our bodies are gifts from our parents, so we should protect them from harm. Young people should especially keep their natures pure and develop their virtue. It is up to them to make the world a better place to live. In happy families, the husband and wife both respect each other.
No lying
Being honest brings peace into the world. When there is a misunderstanding, the best thing is to talk it over. This precept includes no gossip, no back-biting, no harsh words and no idle speech.
No intoxicants
The fifth precept is based on keeping a clear mind and a healthy body. One day, when the Buddha was speaking the Dharma for the assembly, a young drunkard staggered into the room. He tripped over some monks who were sitting on the floor and started cursing loudly. His breath reeked of alcohol and filled the air with a sickening stench. Mumbling to himself, he reeled out the door.
Little by little, one can learn to follow these precepts. If one sometimes forgets them, one can start all over again. Following the precepts is a lifetime job. If one kills or hurts someone's feelings by mistake, that is breaking the precepts, but it was not done on purpose.
