The Five Precepts
The Five moral principles that are observed by Buddhists. are the Buddhist version of a code of conduct or rules to help people behave in a moral and ethical way. Buddhists should follow the Five Precepts to ensure they are living a morally good life. This helps them to get rid of suffering and achieve The realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth..
The five precepts are as follows:
| Precept | An example |
| 1. Refrain from taking life | Not killing any living being. For Buddhists, this includes animals, so many Buddhists choose to be vegetarian. |
| 2. Refrain from taking what is not given | Not stealing from anyone. |
| 3. Refrain from the misuse of the senses | Not having too much sensual pleasure. For example, not looking at people in a lustful way or committing adultery. |
| 4. Refrain from wrong speech | Not lying or gossiping about other people. |
| 5. Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind | Not drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as these do not help you to think clearly. |
| Precept | 1. Refrain from taking life |
|---|---|
| An example | Not killing any living being. For Buddhists, this includes animals, so many Buddhists choose to be vegetarian. |
| Precept | 2. Refrain from taking what is not given |
|---|---|
| An example | Not stealing from anyone. |
| Precept | 3. Refrain from the misuse of the senses |
|---|---|
| An example | Not having too much sensual pleasure. For example, not looking at people in a lustful way or committing adultery. |
| Precept | 4. Refrain from wrong speech |
|---|---|
| An example | Not lying or gossiping about other people. |
| Precept | 5. Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind |
|---|---|
| An example | Not drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as these do not help you to think clearly. |
It is important to practise the precepts over time as they are not always easy to carry out. The main aim of a Buddhist is get rid of suffering, and therefore following the Five Precepts is important as they help Buddhists to avoid causing others to suffer. Following the Five Precepts is linked to Actions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism., as these count as skilful actions, which produce good consequences.