The Ten Precepts
The first of the five precepts are mandatory for every Buddhist, and are specific to the lay people, although the fifth precept is often not observed, because it bans the consumption of alcohol. Precepts numbers six through ten are laid out for those in preparation for monastic life and for devoted lay people unattached to families. The eight precepts put together number 8 and 9 and omit the tenth. Lay people may observe the eight precepts on Buddhist festival days. Ordained Theravada monks understake no less than 227 precepts.
The Ten Precepts:
1. Restrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Refrain from taking what is not given.
3. Refrain from sexual activity.
4. Refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Refrain from intoxicating drinks that lead to carelessness.
6. Retrain from eating at frobidden time.
7. Refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainment.
8. Refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, beautifying the body with cosmetics.
9. Refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
10. Regrain from accepting gold and silver.'
Buddhist Morality
-Avoids theft, drunkenness, careless speech, and injury to other
-Usually does not set out to correct society�s injustices, but chooses to set the correct example, like the Buddha
-The Law of Karma
-A consequence for every thought or deed
-These carry over between lives, even without a �self� to be reborn
-Karuna means compassion, or a strong social concern
Back to Main Page