5 percepts

There are 227 total precepts for monks and 311 for nuns. The added rules for nuns were for the protection of the nuns and for some of the biological differences.

For the layman after taking refuge in the triple gems (three jewels - the Buddha, the Dhamma, the Sangha) it is recommend to start practicing the 5 percepts. There are also layman who continue to progress to practicing the 8 and 10 percepts.

However take note it does not mean a buddhist person doesnt sin and break the 5 percepts as it is not exactly a easy thing to achieve. What it means is they will try to work towards achievement of the 5 percepts.

The Five Precepts:

The Five Precepts are:
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
4. Do not make false speech
5. Do not take intoxicants

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyamiI undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

1. Do not Kill One must not deliberately kill any living creatures, either by committing the act oneself, instructing others to kill, or approving of or participating in act of killing. It is a respect to others' lives.One should not deprive others (animals not excluded) of the right to live. If one is hurt or killed, one's family, relatives, friends will suffer. It is the cause of rebirth in Three Evil Paths. The effect of killing to the performer are brevity of life, ill health, handicapped and fear.In observing the first precept, one tries to protect life whenever possible. Furthermore, one cultivates the attitude of loving kindness to all beings by wishing that they may be happy and free from harm.

2. Do not Steal It is a respect to other's properties and the right to own property. If something is not given, one may not take it away by stealing, by force or by fraud. Besides these, one should avoid misusing money or property belonging to the public or other persons. In a broader sense, the second precept also means that one should not evade one’s responsibilities. If an employee is lazy and neglects the duties or tasks assigned to him, he is, in a way, "stealing" time that should have been spent on his work.In its broadest sense, observing the second precept also means that one cultivates the virtue of generosity. A Buddhist gives to the poor and sick because of their need. He makes offerings to the monks, nuns and masters because he respects the qualities they possess. He is generous in his gifts to his parents, teachers and friends because of the advice, guidance and kindness they have shown him.Besides giving material things to the needy and the worthy, Buddhists should also offer sympathy and encouragement to those who are hurt or discouraged. It is said, however, that the best of all gifts is the gift of the Dharma in the form of teaching it or in the production and distribution of Buddhist books.Greed is one of the Three Poisons, which leads us to attachment and suffering. The bad effect of stealing are poverty, misery, disappointment, etc.

3. Do not Indulge in Sexual Misconduct Though the moral standards are different in different countries and in different times, rape, adultery and other abnormal sexual behaviour that involve physical and mental injury to others should be prohibited. It is also a matter of respect for people and personal relationships.Sexual desire is one of the main causes of rebirth in the Six Paths. If we wish to end the birth and death cycle, we should not indulge in sexual misconduct or any other abnormal form of sexual relationship.The effect of sexual misconduct are having many enemies, always being hated, and union with undesirable wives and husbands.

4. Do not Lie To refrain from telling lies is to show respect for the truth. No good can come from telling lies, be it out of fun or malice. When a Buddhist observes the fourth precept, he refrains from telling lies or half-truths that exaggerate or understate, and instead cultivates the virtue of truthfulness. Once people uphold the respect for truth, there will be fewer quarrels and misunderstandings and fewer cases of false accusations in the courts of justice. Society will then become more peaceful and orderly.

5. Do not Take Intoxicant Buddhism emphasises wisdom. Taking intoxicant will descend and lose the seed of wisdom. Intoxicants, such as drugs, liquor, smoking, etc., are harmful to health. It seems that taking intoxicant is not hurting others. However, if we are drunk and lose our consciousness, we may easily commit evil deeds and hurt others. Therefore, one who breaks this precept will tend to break all other precepts along with it.The fifth precept is based on respect for mental health. It guard against the loss of control of one’s mind. It is particularly important to those who meditate because, by refraining from taking intoxicants, they can more easily cultivate awareness, attention and clarity of mind. Thus the observance of the fifth precept not only contributes to happiness in the family and peace in society, it also prepares a person for the practice of Mental Development.

Conditions In Violating Precepts Five conditions of panatipata (Killing)1. The being must be alive. 2. There must be the knowledge that it is a live being. 3. There must be an intention to cause death. 4. An act must be done to cause death.5. There must be death, as the result of the said act.If all the said five conditions are fulfilled, the first precept is violated.

Five conditions of Adinnadana (Stealing)1. The property must be in the possession of another person. 2. There must be the knowledge that the property is in the possession of another person. 3. There must be an intention to steal. 4. There must be an act done to steal. 5. By that act the property must have been taken.If all the said five conditions are fulfilled, the second precept is violated.

Four conditions to kamesumicchacara (Sexual Misconduct)1. It must be a man or a woman with whom it is improper to have sexual intercourse. 2. There must be an intention to have such sexual misconduct with such man or woman. 3. There must be an act done to have such intercourse. 4. There must be enjoyment of the contact of the organs.If all the said four conditions are fulfilled, the third precept is violated.

Four conditions of musavada (Telling lies)1.The thing said must be untrue. 2. There must be an intention to deceive. 3.There must be an effort made as a result of the said intention. 4. The other must know the meaning of what is said.If these conditions are fulfilled, the fourth precept is violated.

Three conditions of taking intoxicant1. It is intoxicant. 2. There must be an intention to consume. 3. It is consumed.If these conditions are fulfilled, the fifth precept is violated. However, taking intoxicant for medical purpose does not violate this precept.