Observing Eight Precepts Program

We had a very successful program here at BMV. The participants were very well disciplined.
 

The Eight Precepts:

These training rules are observed by laypeople during periods of intensive meditation practice and during uposatha (lunar observance) days. The Eight Precepts are based on the Five Precepts, with the third precept extended to prohibit all sexual activity and an additional three precepts that are especially supportive to meditation practice.

In many Buddhist countries, devout Buddhists observe the eight precepts on Full Moon and New Moon days by going to the temple early in the morning and spending a period of 24 hours there. The idea is to withdraw from one's busy daily life in this material and sensual world and to cultivate spiritual development, self training and peace of mind. 

It is not compulsory for every Buddhist to observe these precepts all the time. After observing these precepts for 24 hours one is at liberty to his normal way of life. One who keeps away from worldly frivolties once in a while trains the mind not to be a slave to sensual pleasures. 

Many entertainments only increase the passions of the mind which hinder the progress of spiritual development in man It is only by restraining oneself from time to time in this way that a person will be able to overcome his uneasiness, and be able to control himself. This practice trains him not to be disappointed when he is denied sensual pleasures. Buddhist monks and nuns who have renounced worldly pleasures observe these precepts all the time. Buddhist lay devotees, on the other hand, observe the eight precepts from time to time. All practising Buddhists, however, make a conscious effort to observe the five precepts every day.

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from killing living beings.

2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given.

3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual activities.

4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech

5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from drinks and drugs which cause intoxication or heedlessness.

6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).

7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes and beautifying the body cosmetics.

8. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious seats.

See also:

• The Five Precepts
• The Ten Precepts
• Virtue (sila)
• Muluposatha Sutta (AN 3.70) — Discourse on the Roots of the Uposatha
• Uposatha Sutta (AN 8.41) — Discourse on the Uposatha Observance
• Visakhuposatha Sutta (AN 8.43) — Discourse to Visakha on the Uposatha
• Ñanavara Thera's Questions-and-answers concerning the Uposatha.