The Buddha encouraged his lay disciples to follow extra training rules as often as they could. They are an enhanced version of the Five Precepts they follow every day.

The Eight Precepts:

1. Abstaining from killing
2. Abstaining from stealing
3. Abstaining from sexual activity
4. Abstaining from telling lies
5. Abstaining from intoxicating drinks and drugs
6. Abstaining from eating after noon
7. Abstaining from entertainment and beautifying the body
8. Abstaining from using luxurious furniture

The Buddha encouraged his lay-followers to keep the Five Precepts (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants) for as long as life lasts. He also recommended that they follow some additional precepts as often as possible. These are known as the Uposatha Precepts, or simply the Eight Precepts. They are traditionally observed on the full-moon days (uposatha), but they can be taken at any time.

Following these extra precepts gives us the opportunity to practice some of the renunciation that monks and nuns follow every day. The precept on abstaining from sexual misconduct is changed to abstaining from any kind of sexual activity at all. The last three involve giving up other forms of enjoyment. We limit the food we eat by not taking solid food in the afternoon. We give up entertainment and beautifying our bodies. And we use only very simple furniture.

Giving up these things, even just temporarily, helps us to recognize and reduce our attachments. By spending time without these things, we have the opportunity to focus on practicing meditation and experiencing a happiness not based on material things.

We know that those who follow the Buddha’s teaching to the highest goal of enlightenment give up these things completely. So when we spend time following these training rules, we can remember that we are imitating these great spiritual beings. When we understand the benefit of practicing in this way, we can make our minds happy simply remembering the time that we have practiced with this extra dedication.

Lay people can follow these precepts as often as they like. Traditionally, Buddhists come together to observe these precepts, listen to teachings, and practice meditation on the full and new moon days. Here in Winnipeg, you can take them if you like at our daylong retreat.

If you have questions about following these precepts on your own or with a group, please speak with one of the monks.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to wear white?
No. It is beneficial to wear white, but not essential. Some people wear a white shirt and any color pants. Traditionally, people often wear a white piece of cloth over their left shoulder and pinned together at the waste under the right arm.

What can be eaten in the evening?
Fruit juice, water, sugar, honey, rock candy. Tea and coffee can be taken without milk.

What should I sleep on?
Try and sleep on the simplest bed possible, using the most basic bedding you have. It is good if you can put the mattress on the floor.

How do I take the precepts on my own?
Most people will first recite the Three Refuges and then simply recite the eight precepts out loud.

How do I stop observing the 8 precepts?
Simply take the five precepts on your own.

Can I observe the 8 precepts on any day?
Absolutely. Traditionally, people will observe them on full and new moon days. But the Buddha encouraged people to observe them as often as possible.

What if I forget and eat something in the afternoon?
This is very easy to do if we are observing the precepts at home or anywhere outside a group setting. Don’t worry. Simply mentally determine to take the precept again. You may find that wearing white helps you remember. You may even like to put up a sign on the fridge.

Do I have to stay home and meditate all day while observing the Eight Precepts?
No. It is traditional, and of course very beneficial, to devote the day to Dhamma practice. But it is still beneficial to keep the precepts on a day when we may not be able to dedicate ourselves entirely to spiritual practice.