THE FIVE AND TEN BUDDHIST PRECEPTS

The Five Precepts constitute the basic Buddhist code of ethics.  They are undertaken by lay followers of the Buddha in the Theravada as well as in Mahayana traditions. The precepts in both traditions are essentially identical and are part of both lay Buddhist initiation and regular lay Buddhist devotional practices.  They are not formulated as imperatives, but as training rules that laypeople adopt voluntarily to facilitate their practice.

The late Dharma Master Yin-Shun listed the Five Precepts in concise terms:

1.Do not kill. (Unintentional killing is considered less offensive.)

2.Do not steal. (This includes misappropriating someone's property.)

3.Do not engage in improper sexual conduct. (This refers to sexual contact not sanctioned by secular laws, by the Buddhist monastic code, or by one's parents and guardians.)

4.Do not make false statements. (Included here is pretending to know something one doesn't.)

5.Do not drink alcohol.

The Ten Precepts represent the training rules for novice monks and novice nuns in Buddhism. They are used in most Buddhist schools.

1.Refrain from killing living things.

2.Refrain from stealing.

3.Refrain from unchastity, that is from sensuality, sexuality, and lust.

4.Refrain from lying.

5.Refrain from taking intoxicants.

6.Refrain from taking food at inappropriate times, that is after noon.

7.Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending entertainment programs or performances.

8.Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and garlands, i.e. decorative accessories.

9.Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds.

10.Refrain from accepting money.