Overview
To accelerate their spiritual progress, devout Theravāda laypeople observe the Uposatha days (full moon, new moon, and half-moon days) by elevating their morality from the standard five precepts to these eight. By undertaking these rules, a layperson emulates the ascetic lifestyle of an Arahat for 24 hours.
The List
- Pāṇātipātā… - Abstaining from killing any living being.
- Adinnādānā… - Abstaining from taking what is not given.
- Abrahmacariyā… - Abstaining from all sexual activity (incelibacy). Note: This replaces the standard 3rd precept of avoiding sexual misconduct. Complete celibacy is required.
- Musāvādā… - Abstaining from false speech.
- Surāmeraya… - Abstaining from intoxicating drinks and drugs.
- Vikālabhojanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from eating at the wrong time: Refraining from consuming solid food from solar noon until the next dawn.
- Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūkadassana-mālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī… - I undertake the training rule to abstain from dancing, singing, music, watching entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
- Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from high and luxurious beds/seats: Sleeping on a simple mat on the floor to abandon sensual indulgence and pride.
Textual References
- Canonical: Uposatha Sutta (AN 8.41) – The Buddha explicitly states that by observing these eight rules, one imitates the Arahats for a day and a night.