Overview
When a person goes forth from the household life but is not yet fully ordained as a Bhikkhu (often because they are under 20 years old), they become a Sāmaṇera (novice monk). The foundational moral code for a novice consists of these ten strict precepts (Dasasīla), which they must maintain flawlessly.
The List
- Pāṇātipātā… - Abstaining from killing.
- Adinnādānā… - Abstaining from stealing.
- Abrahmacariyā… - Abstaining from all sexual activity (complete celibacy).
- Musāvādā… - Abstaining from false speech.
- Surāmeraya… - Abstaining from intoxicants.
- Vikālabhojanā… - Abstaining from eating after noon.
- Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūkadassanā veramaṇī… - Abstaining from dancing, singing, instrumental music, and watching worldly entertainments. (Note: This splits the 7th Uposatha precept).
- Mālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī… - Abstaining from wearing garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, and bodily adornments.
- Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā… - Abstaining from high and luxurious beds.
- Jātarūpa-rajata-paṭiggahaṇā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi - I undertake the training rule to abstain from accepting gold and silver (money): A novice cannot handle, request, or consent to money being held for them.