The Five Precepts - panca-silani - The basic Buddhist code of ethics

The Blessing, Peacefulness, Thoughtfulness and Wholesomeness of our noble lives as layperson depend on the sincerity in practice and upholding the Five Trainings in the Buddhist Precepts beside the Eightfold Path teachings of the Lord Buddha.

The Five Precepts (Pali: panca-silani, Sanskrit: पञ्चशीलानि panca-silani) constitute the basic Buddhist code of ethics, undertaken by lay followers (Upasaka and Upasika) of the Buddha Gautama in the Theravadan as well as in Mahayanan traditions school. The precepts in both traditions are essentially identical and are commitments to abstain. The below are the basic Buddhist Precepts for any Buddhist Daily Training.

1) To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings. This precept applies to all living beings not just humans. All beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected.

2) To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. This precept goes further than mere stealing. One should avoid taking anything unless one can be sure that is intended that it is for you.

3) To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure such as gluttony as well as misconduct of a sexual nature.

4) To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. As well as avoiding lying and deceiving, this precept covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others.

5) To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. This precept is in a special category as it does not infer any intrinsic evil in, say, alcohol itself another word of saying is, alcohol is not evil by itself but taking and indulgence in such a substance could be the cause of breaking the other four precepts.

********** Buddhist practitioners who are following the Mahayana Tradition School who have taken Bodhisattva vows, will also follow a strictly vegetarian diet. If there is no additional precept given by the respective school, disciples are taught to strengthening particular of the first precept; 'To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings'. The eating of meats would be considered a contribution to the taking of life, indirect though it may be. There may be some additional precepts in different school of Buddhism teachings however all are equal that lead to the 'Ultimate Enlightenment' **********