Live from Noble Path

The eight precepts are self-imposed rules or disciplines for Buddhist lay persons wishing to practice more strictly than the usual five precepts. The eight precepts are usually observed on the uposatha days – that is: the full moon day, the new moon day, and the two half moon days of every month. While the five precepts focus solely on avoiding morally bad behavior, the eight precepts focus both on avoiding morally bad behavior and on leading a more ascetic lifestyle.:

I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness I undertake the precept to refrain from eating after noon I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place Specifics of the eight precepts Abstention from killing living beings: To break this precept, there must be the knowledge of a living being and there must be the intention to deprive that being of life ... read more of What are the Eight Precepts? ...

The Five Moral Precepts are the backbone of Buddhist ethics and are designed to discipline and purify the three means of human action — body, speech, and mind. The precepts are recited on a daily basis by most Buddhists after reciting the formula for the threefold refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. The observance of the five precepts forms the minimum foundation of a life governed by the Buddha's teachings. The precepts are as follows:

I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness

The abstention from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct disciplines and purifies bodily actions ... read more of What are the Five Precepts? ...

The Triple Gems - or the Three Jewels - of Buddhism refer to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.

Buddha

The Buddha was born in 543 BC in what is now known as Nepal and was given the name Siddhattha Gotama. At the age of 29 he renounced the life as the son of a king and became a homeless ascetic. After six year's of practice and contemplation, Buddha attained Nibbana (Nirvana), and spent the next 45 years with tireless teaching until he died at the age of 80.

Dhamma

The Dhamma (Dharma) is the teachings of the Buddha, which has been handed down in the ancient Pali language, and preserved in three collections of hooks, called the Tipitaka (the three baskets) ... read more of What are the Triple Gems? ...