The Buddha taught us that ethics is the foundation for all of the good qualities we can develop in the mind. By following five basic training rules we can eliminate worry and regret that disturbs our meditation. As well, we avoid all the unpleasant results of unwholesome actions. Because this also has a positive benefit to those around us, the Buddha called these precept five great gifts.
At the beginning of many of our activities, the monks will give people the chance to take the precepts, although it is perfectly suitable to take them on your own at any time.
These are the five basic ethical rules the Buddha asked his lay disciples to follow:
- I observe the precept of abstaining from killing living beings. This means not intentionally causing the death of any living beings.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from stealing. This means not taking things that do not belong to us.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct. This means not having sex with people we are not married to and with people against their will.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from telling lies. This means saying what is true at the proper time.
- I observe the precept of abstaining from using intoxicating drinks and drugs. By following this precept we are committed to having a clear mind at all times.
Buddhists will usually remind themselves of their commitment to keep these precepts by reciting them once a day. The also take the precepts when they come to a monastery.
When we realize we have broken a precept, we can immediately make the determination to follow it in the future. The Buddha taught us that even this intention is extremely powerful for our mental development.
It is important when we have doubts about the precepts to ask a knowledgeable good friend so we can have confidence in our actions. Sometimes we think we have broken a precept when we really haven’t. Sometimes we even think it is impossible to keep the precepts because of some misunderstanding.
Even though it is often difficult to keep the precepts, especially at the beginning, we will quickly see the benefits. When we meditate our minds won’t be troubled by worry and regret. When we think about the many bad results we have avoided by keeping the precepts, we will have a tremendous gratitude for the compassion of our teacher, the Supreme Buddha.
The Buddha called these ethical guidelines “great gifts” because of the immeasurable peace and comfort that following them brings to those people around us.
The Buddha also encouraged his lay disciples to observe some additional precepts as often as they could. They are known as the Eight Precepts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Five Precepts
Can I break the precepts accidentally?
No, the Five Precepts cannot be broken accidentally. So, for example, if while we are walking we accidentally step on an insect, this does not break the precept of killing. If we unknowingly say something that is not true but we think it is, that does not break the precept of lying.
What if I break a precept?
This is totally normal and should be expected. We can’t do anything about the past other than re-commit to following the precept in the future. In the moment you realize you have broken a precept, reflect on what happened and determine to follow it in the future. This is why many people recite the precepts in the morning and evening each day. This has the double purpose of reminding us to follow the precepts as well as knowing that we are starting with a clean slate.
What if I broke the precepts in the past?
It’s fair to say that most people have broken precepts at some point in the past. The Buddha taught that it is not really helpful to spend time regretting things we have done in the past. What is helpful is trying to keep the precepts now.
Does eating meat count as killing?
No. Killing is killing and eating is eating. However if we tell someone to kill an animal, for any reason, that breaks the precept against killing. If we buy meat that was not killed at our request, that does not break the precept.
Does taking prescription drugs break the 5th precept?
No, not if they are prescribed by a doctor and are taken as instructed.
