Panca Sila
The Five Precepts

Buddhist do not regard these precepts as commandments but observe them voluntarily. At the same time, they do not believe that there will be divine punishment for those who violate these universal principles have to face the consequences according to the natural laws of cause and effect. Every Buddhist must remember these noble precepts in his daily life and try to live up to them.

If Buddhist adjust their way of life according to these five precepts, they can, on the one hand, live happily and peacefully in this world, and on the other hand, help others to live likewise. To observe the precepts is like putting up a fence to protect one’s house against robbers. A person without virtue not only endangers himself but also others around him.

These precepts indicate the five arterial directions in which a Buddhist has to exercise his self control. Thus the first rule calls upon him to control the passion of anger, the second the desire for material possessions, the third the lust of the flesh, the fourth, cowardice and malevolence (the causes of untruthfulness) and the fifth, the craving for unwholesome excitement.

The practice of precepts helps one to cultivate five ennobling virtues which correspond to each of the precepts. The first is the cultivation of compassion; the second, generosity and nonattachment; the third, contentment; the fourth truthfulness; and the fifth, mindfulness and clarity of the mind.

Every Buddhist should observe these five precepts in order to elevate himself morally and spiritually. Morality is the first step in the path towards eternal bliss. It is the basic spiritual foundation. Without this base, there can be no human progress and spiritual advancement.

After establishing the moral foundation, a person can proceed to develop his mind and wisdom. This practice will lead him from the lower levels to the progressively higher levels of mental development, and finally, to the summit of all attainments – Enlightment.

Panati-pata
veramani sikkha padam samadiyami

I take the precept to
abstain from destroying living beings.

Adinna-dana
veramani sikkha padam samadiyami

I take the precept to
abstain from taking things not given.

Kamesu miccha-cara
veramani sikkha padam samadiyami

I take the precept to
abstain from sexual misconduct.

Musavada
veramani sikkha padam samadiyami

I take the precept to
abstain from false speech.

Sura meraya-majja-pama-datthana
veramani sikkha padam samadiyami

I take the precept to
abstain from taking anything that causes intoxication or heedlessness.