Keeping the precepts

The precepts are the foundation of Buddhist practice, but knowing them is different from keeping them. This page offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to live by the five precepts in ordinary life, at home and at work.

Taking the precepts

Many Buddhists formally undertake the precepts, often after reciting the three refuges in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. This can be done in front of a monk or nun, or on your own at a home shrine. Some people recite them every morning. Others renew them weekly or on full moon days.

The traditional phrasing is “I undertake the training rule to abstain from…”. The word “training” is important. You are not making a promise to be perfect. You are choosing a direction and committing to practise.

Reflecting before and after

In his teaching to his son Rāhula, the Buddha compares the practice to looking in a mirror. Before acting, reflect: could this cause harm to me or to others? While acting, reflect again. After acting, look back. If it was harmful, recognise it, talk it over with a trusted teacher or friend, and resolve not to repeat it. If it was helpful, take joy in it and keep going.

This simple habit of reflection is the heart of keeping the precepts. It turns them from rules into a way of paying attention.

When you break a precept

Everyone falls short sometimes. The Buddhist response is neither denial nor guilt. Acknowledge what happened honestly. Where possible, make amends, for example by returning something or apologising. Then renew the precept and start again. Dwelling in shame can itself become an obstacle to practice.

Making it easier

A few practical habits help:

• Choose one precept to focus on for a week, and notice the moments it comes up.
• Remove easy temptations, such as keeping no alcohol in the house.
• Spend time with people who support your values.
• Balance restraint with its positive side: kindness, generosity, faithfulness, honesty and clarity.

The fruits of keeping them

The discourses describe the precepts as a gift of safety to all beings, and as bringing the joy of blamelessness to the one who keeps them. Many people find that a clear conscience makes meditation easier, relationships steadier and life simpler.