Significance of Five Precepts
The Five Precepts in Buddhism represent fundamental ethical guidelines that practitioners are encouraged to follow to promote moral conduct and spiritual growth. These guidelines entail refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and consuming intoxicants. Encompassing various teachings across traditions, the Five Precepts serve as a moral foundation for both lay and monastic practitioners, fostering a life of virtue and ethical living essential for personal development and positive karma.
Synonyms: Five commandments, Five virtues
In Dutch: Vijf voorschriften; In Finnish: Viisi ohjetta; In Spanish: Cinco preceptos; In German: Fünf Gebote
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Five Precepts'
The Five Precepts in Buddhism are foundational ethical guidelines for lay practitioners, emphasizing the importance of refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants, thereby promoting moral conduct and spiritual growth.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The Five Precepts are moral guidelines that should be observed permanently (nicca sila) by individuals, which include refraining from killing, stealing, lying, engaging in wrong sexual conduct, and consuming intoxicants.[1] (2) A set of moral guidelines for laypersons, which includes abstaining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and taking intoxicants.[2] (3) A set of ethical guidelines in Buddhism that laymen are encouraged to observe in their daily lives.[3] (4) The Five Precepts are ethical guidelines for lay practitioners, covering acts such as abstaining from killing, stealing, and lying.[4] (5) Moral guidelines in Buddhism aimed at leading a virtuous life, which Suja began to observe at Sakka's insistence after her rebirth.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Fundamental ethical guidelines in Buddhism that promote moral conduct and support the path to spiritual enlightenment.[6] (2) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism for moral conduct which the cannibal was converted to after witnessing truthfulness.[7] (3) The ethical guidelines in Buddhism that practitioners commit to follow as part of their moral conduct.[8] (4) moral guidelines that the former bandits took upon themselves after being advised by the hermit.[9] (5) Basic ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists to follow for moral conduct and spiritual development.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The moral code that King Nimi followed, which included refraining from harmful acts and living ethically.[11] (2) Basic ethical guidelines promoted by the Bodhisatta to establish the king in the path of virtue.[12] (3) Fundamental ethical guidelines that the Bodhisatta urges the King to uphold in order to protect all living beings.[13] (4) A set of ethical guidelines in Buddhism that the Bodhisatta established for the goblin to follow.[14]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that are encouraged for following a moral life, highlighted as essential for seeking spiritual refuge.[15] (2) Moral guidelines that Punna vowed to observe as part of her request to the Buddha.[16] (3) Basic ethical guidelines that includes abstaining from sexual intercourse, which Ugga observed.[17] (4) A set of moral guidelines in Buddhism that laymen should follow to maintain a virtuous life and avoid breaching moral conduct.[18]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The basic ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists, focusing on ethical conduct.[19] (2) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that practitioners are encouraged to observe.[20] (3) The basic ethical guidelines for lay disciples in Buddhism outlining abstentions from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.[21]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The Five Precepts are ethical guidelines observed by Buddhists to cultivate moral conduct and prevent negative consequences from past akusala kamma.[22] (2) A set of ethical guidelines in Buddhism that includes abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants.[23] (3) A set of ethical guidelines (Panca SÃla) that promote welfare for all beings.[24]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Basic ethical guidelines that discourage harmful actions such as killing and stealing.[25] (2) Ethical guidelines for laypeople in Buddhism that include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants.[26]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism, indicating the moral framework within which individuals like the fallen opponents are judged.[27]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Moral guidelines for ethical conduct that the partridge enforced among the other animals.[28]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Moral guidelines that a Sotapanna adheres to, ensuring they neither violate these precepts nor commit heinous crimes.[29]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Moral guidelines observed to cultivate ethical conduct, differing in depth and commitment between ordinary people and those who have attained higher spiritual realization.[30]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that encourage avoidance of harm and promote moral conduct as part of one's practice.[31]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Basic ethical guidelines observed by practitioners, including the upasaka mentioned, reinforcing the importance of a moral foundation in spiritual practice.[32] (2) The specific ethical guidelines that upasakas are required to follow, which include not killing, not stealing, abstaining from illicit sexual relations, not lying, and not drinking wine.[33] (3) The five precepts are the basic moral rules of the fivefold discipline that one can observe throughout their life.[34] (4) Fundamental ethical guidelines followed by lay adherents in Buddhist practice.[35] (5) The basic ethical guidelines that Kao tso preached as part of his teachings.[36]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The moral guidelines that practitioners, including laymen, aim to uphold in their spiritual practice.[37] (2) Fundamental ethical guidelines for Buddhists which include not killing, not stealing, not engaging in sexual misconduct, not lying, and not taking intoxicants.[38] (3) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that advise against killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication to promote peace and virtue.[39] (4) Basic ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists, which include not killing, stealing, committing sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants.[40] (5) Fundamental ethical guidelines in Buddhism that prohibit killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants.[41]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Fundamental ethical guidelines in Buddhism focused on abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants.[42] (2) A set of guidelines for ethical conduct that practitioners of Buddhism should follow, which include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants.[43] (3) The basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that practitioners are encouraged to follow to cultivate moral conduct and avoid negative karma.[44]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Ethical guidelines for Buddhists that are not formally received but upheld through practice.[45]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that Ghatikara prompts Jyotipala to consider embracing after his initial hesitation.[46]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Fundamental ethical guidelines followed by the virtuous chief queen, emphasizing truthfulness and moral conduct.[47] (2) The fundamental ethical guidelines in Buddhism that define moral conduct.[48]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Basic ethical guidelines in Buddhism that Phagmodrupa would have been exposed to, forming a foundation for monastic discipline.[49]
The concept of Five Precepts in local and regional sources
The Five Precepts are fundamental ethical guidelines for Buddhists, promoting moral conduct by prohibiting actions like killing and stealing. They serve as a foundation for ethical living, influencing character and destiny in the Buddhist practice.
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) Basic ethical guidelines that Buddhists commit to uphold as part of their practice.[50] (2) Basic ethical guidelines recited by the chief bali artist at the start of the bali ceremony.[51] (3) Fundamental ethical guidelines administered by a monk to the assembled crowd during the funeral proceedings.[52] (4) Basic ethical guidelines followed by Buddhists, introduced during the almsgiving ceremony.[53] (5) Basic ethical guidelines for ordinary Buddhists that serve as the moral foundation.[54]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A code of ethical guidelines in Buddhism prohibiting killing, stealing, unchastity, lying, and intoxication.[55]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Moral codes associated with the character of the Peacock, suggesting themes of righteousness and ethical living that influences one’s destiny.[56]