The Five Precepts are undertaken on the path of awakening as a means to develop harmless conduct. Harmless conduct reduces drama and turbulence in our relationships and in our mind. Mindful practice of the precepts leads to peace and insight.
| WHAT IS TO BE ABANDONED: | WHAT IS TO BE PRACTICED: |
| I undertake to refrain from destroying living creatures. | I undertake to protect life and decrease violence in myself, my family and my society. |
| I undertake to refrain from taking that which is not freely given. | I undertake to engage in social justice and generosity. |
| I undertake to refrain from harming others with my sexuality. | I undertake to behave responsibly with my sexuality, in order to protect others, including comitted couples, families and children. |
| I undertake to refrain from lying, gossiping, harsh and harmful speech. | I undertake to listen deeply and speak kindly, truthfully and at the right time. |
| I undertake to refrain from intoxicants that lead to carelessness. | I undertake to practice moderation and mindful consumption. |
The Five Precepts (pañca-sila):
- Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake to refrain from destroying living creatures. - Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake to refrain from taking that which is not freely given. - Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake to refrain from sexual misconduct. - Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake to refrain from harmful speech. - Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake to refrain from intoxicants that lead to carelessness.
From accesstoinsight.org
