Overview
While laypeople normally observe the Eight Uposatha Precepts on observance days, the Buddha introduced a ninth factor to elevate the practice from mere moral restraint to active mental purification. This ninefold Uposatha is declared to be vastly more fruitful, leading directly to the higher heavenly realms.
The List
- Abstaining from killing.
- Abstaining from stealing.
- Abstaining from all sexual activity (incelibacy).
- Abstaining from false speech.
- Abstaining from intoxicants.
- Abstaining from eating at the wrong time (after noon).
- Abstaining from entertainment and bodily adornment.
- Abstaining from high and luxurious beds.
- Pervading the world with Loving-kindness (Mettā): The practitioner sits and systematically pervades all four directions, above, and below, with a mind of loving-kindness that is abundant, exalted, and free from hostility.
Textual References
- Canonical: Navāṅguposatha Sutta (AN 9.18) – The Buddha teaches this ninefold practice, stating it brings immense, incalculable results, just like the vastness of the great oceans.