Overview
The Five Precepts (Pañcasīla) constitute the absolute baseline of moral conduct for a Theravāda Buddhist layperson. They are not commandments imposed by a creator, but voluntary training rules undertaken to avoid generating bad kamma, protect others, and build a foundation of mental purity necessary for meditation.
The List
- Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life: Refraining from intentionally killing any living being, from a human down to an insect.
- Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given: Refraining from theft, fraud, and exploitation.
- Kāmesumicchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from sexual misconduct: Refraining from adultery, assault, and sexual relations with those protected by parents or Dhamma.
- Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech: Refraining from telling deliberate lies or deceiving others.
- Surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs that lead to heedlessness: Refraining from alcohol and recreational drugs, as they destroy mindfulness and lead to the breaking of the other four precepts.
Textual References
- Canonical: Abhisanda Sutta (AN 8.39) – The Buddha describes keeping these five precepts as five “great gifts” of safety and fearlessness given to all living beings.