The Eight Precepts
These training rules are observed by laypeople during periods of intensive meditation practice and during uposatha (lunar observance) days. The Eight Precepts are based on the Five Precepts, with the third precept extended to prohibit all sexual activity and an additional three precepts that are especially supportive to meditation practice.
The Eight Precepts
They are:
no killing
no stealing
no sexual misconduct
no false speech
no alcoholic drink
no cosmetic, personal adnornments, dancing or music
no sleeping on fine beds
no eating after noon
The Eight Precepts:
<poem>
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
Source
"The Eight Precepts: attha-sila", edited by Access to Insight. Access to Insight, 26 May 2010, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html . Retrieved on 10 June 2013.