The Eight Precepts in Buddhism: A Path to Spiritual Purification on Full Moon Days

 

The Eight Precepts in Buddhism: A Path to Spiritual Purification on Full Moon Days

dr. Bhante Nivitigala Sumitta

VANDANĀ - Homage


Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa

Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the Fully
Enlightened One!


TI-SARAṆA - Three Refuges

Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Dutiyampi buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Tatiyampi buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
For the second time, I go to the Saṅgha as my refuge.

For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
For the third time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.


Aṭṭha SĪLA - Eight Precepts

Pānātipātā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi
Adinnādānā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi
Abrahmacariyā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi
Musāvādā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi
Surā meraya majja pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ
samādiyāmi
Vikālabhojanā veramanī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi
Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūka dassana - mālā - gandha - vilepana - dhāraṇa - maṇḍaṇa - vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Uccāsayana - mahāsayanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.


I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from killing living beings.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual indulgence.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from distilled and fermented
liquor (drinks and drugs) that causes intoxication or heedlessness.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking food in inappropriate times.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music and unseemly shows; from the use of garlands, perfumes and unguents; from things that tend to beautify and adorn (the person).
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from (using) high and luxurious seats.

The Eight Precepts (Aṭṭha Sīla) represent a cornerstone practice in Buddhist spiritual discipline, traditionally observed by lay practitioners on significant days such as full moon days (Poya days). These precepts serve as a bridge between the basic Five Precepts observed daily by lay Buddhists and the comprehensive monastic code followed by monks and nuns. By temporarily adopting a more rigorous ethical framework, practitioners create optimal conditions for meditation and spiritual development. Historical and Scriptural Foundation The Eight Precepts find their origins in the earliest Buddhist texts, particularly in the Pali Canon. The Buddha established these precepts as a means for lay practitioners to intensify their spiritual practice periodically, creating opportunities for deeper purification and merit-making. The Anguttara Nikaya specifically outlines these precepts as part of the Uposatha observance, a practice that connects lay practitioners with the monastic tradition's disciplinary framework. The observance typically begins with the traditional homage (Vandanā) to the Buddha, followed by taking refuge in the Three Jewels (Ti-saraṇa) - the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. This preliminary ritual establishes the proper spiritual context for undertaking the precepts and demonstrates the practitioner's commitment to the Buddhist path. The Eight Precepts Explained 1. Abstaining from Killing Living Beings (Pānātipātā veramaṇi) This precept extends the first of the Five Precepts, emphasizing complete non-violence toward all sentient beings. Practitioners cultivate compassion and recognize the interconnectedness of all life, understanding that taking life creates negative karma and perpetuates the cycle of suffering. 2. Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given (Adinnādānā veramaṇi) This precept encompasses honesty and contentment, requiring practitioners to avoid theft in all its forms, including subtle forms like dishonesty in business or taking more than what is offered. It cultivates generosity and respect for others' property and rights. 3. Abstaining from Sexual Activity (Abrahmacariyā veramaṇi) Unlike the third precept for lay practitioners which prohibits sexual misconduct, this precept requires complete celibacy. This temporary renunciation helps practitioners develop mental clarity and redirect sexual energy toward spiritual pursuits, mirroring the monastic lifestyle. 4. Abstaining from False Speech (Musāvādā veramaṇi) This precept maintains the commitment to truthfulness found in the basic Five Precepts. Practitioners avoid lying, harsh speech, idle chatter, and divisive speech, cultivating right speech that promotes harmony and understanding. 5. Abstaining from Intoxicants (Surā meraya majja pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇi) This precept prohibits the consumption of alcohol, drugs, and other substances that cloud the mind and lead to heedlessness. Clear consciousness is essential for meditation and ethical conduct, making this precept fundamental to spiritual progress. 6. Abstaining from Food at Inappropriate Times (Vikālabhojanā veramaṇi) This precept typically means not eating after noon until dawn the next day, following the monastic meal schedule. This practice promotes physical lightness, mental clarity, and helps practitioners develop discipline over bodily desires. It also creates more time for meditation and study. 7. Abstaining from Entertainment and Beautification (Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūka dassana...) This comprehensive precept involves avoiding entertainment such as dancing, singing, music, and shows, as well as refraining from using perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, and other beautifying items. The practice helps practitioners detach from sensual pleasures and vanity, focusing attention inward. 8. Abstaining from High and Luxurious Beds and Seats (Uccāsayana mahāsayanā veramaṇi) This precept requires practitioners to sleep and sit on simple, low surfaces, avoiding luxury and comfort. This cultivates humility, reduces attachment to material comfort, and aligns with the simplicity valued in Buddhist practice. Spiritual Benefits and Purpose The Eight Precepts serve multiple spiritual functions. They create a temporary monastic-like environment that intensifies the practitioner's focus on dharma practice. By voluntarily accepting additional restraints, practitioners develop willpower, mindfulness, and detachment from worldly pleasures. This creates optimal conditions for meditation, self-reflection, and the cultivation of wisdom. The observance also generates significant merit (puñña), which supports both present and future spiritual progress. The temporary nature of the practice makes it accessible to lay practitioners while still providing profound spiritual benefits. Many practitioners report increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual insight following Eight Precept observances. Modern Application and Challenges In contemporary Buddhist communities worldwide, the Eight Precepts continue to be observed, though practitioners may adapt certain aspects to modern circumstances. Urban practitioners might participate in group observances at temples or meditation centers, while others maintain the practice at home. The key is maintaining the spirit of the precepts while making necessary practical adjustments. Modern challenges include balancing work obligations with the meal timing restrictions, finding appropriate spaces for simple sleeping arrangements, and avoiding entertainment in media-saturated environments. However, these challenges often provide valuable opportunities for practitioners to examine their attachments and develop creative solutions that support their spiritual growth. Conclusion The Eight Precepts represent a time-tested method for spiritual purification and development within the Buddhist tradition. By temporarily adopting a more rigorous ethical framework, practitioners create conditions conducive to deep spiritual practice and insight. Whether observed on traditional lunar calendar days or adapted to modern schedules, these precepts continue to offer contemporary Buddhists a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. The practice demonstrates Buddhism's skillful means in providing graduated levels of ethical discipline suitable for practitioners at different stages of spiritual development. Through the regular observance of the Eight Precepts, lay practitioners can taste the benefits of monastic simplicity while maintaining their householder responsibilities, creating a balanced approach to spiritual development that honors both worldly duties and transcendent aspirations. References 1. Bodhi, Bhikkhu, trans. The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2012. 2. Harvey, Peter. An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. 3. Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught. New York: Grove Press, 1974. 4. Saddhatissa, H. Buddhist Ethics. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1987. 5. Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans. "The Uposatha Observance" (AN 3.70). Access to Insight, 2005. 6. Warder, A.K. Indian Buddhism. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1991. 7. The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya. Translated by Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Your comments and feedback are very helpful to us in improving our posts. We really appreciate your time. Thank you!
Dhamma USA Team.