**Five precepts**

The Five precepts (Sanskrit: pañcaśīla; Pali: pañcasīla) or five rules of training
(Sanskrit: pañcaśikṣapada; Pali: pañcasikkhapada)
is the most important system of morality for Buddhist lay people(devotee).They
constitute the basic code of ethics to be respected by lay followers
of Buddhism.The precepts are commitments to abstain from killing living beings,
stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Within the
Buddhist doctrine(a belief or set of beliefs ),they are meant to develop mind and
character to make progress on the path to enlightenment. The precepts
have been compared with human rights because of their universal nature, and some
scholars argue they can complement the concept of human rights.The
five precepts form the basis of several parts of Buddhist doctrine, both lay and
monastic(monks,nuns etc).

The five precepts were common to the religious milieu(a person's social
environment) of 6th-century BCE India, but the Buddha's focus on awareness through
the fifth precept was unique. As shown in Early Buddhist Texts, the precepts grew
to be more important, and finally became a condition for membership of the
Buddhist religion. When Buddhism spread to different places and people, the role of
the precepts began to vary.

<<<In countries where Buddhism

had to compete with other religions, such as China, the ritual of undertaking the
five precepts developed into an initiation ceremony to become a
Buddhist layperson. On the other hand, in countries with little competition from
other religions, such as Thailand, the ceremony has had little
relation to the rite of becoming Buddhist, as many people are presumed Buddhist
from birth.>>>

People keep them with an intention to develop themselves, but also out of fear of a
bad rebirth.
1)The first precept consists of a prohibition of killing, both humans and all
animals.
2)The second precept prohibits theft and related activities such as fraud and
forgery.
3)The third precept refers to adultery in all its forms, and has been defined by
modern teachers with terms such as sexual responsibility and long-term
commitment
4)The fourth precept involves falsehood spoken or committed to by action, as well
as malicious speech, harsh speech and gossip.
5)The fifth precept prohibits intoxication through alcohol, drugs, or other means.

<<<In modern times, traditional Buddhist countries have seen revival movements to
promote the five precepts. As for the West, the precepts play a major role
in Buddhist organizations. They have also been integrated into mindfulness training
programs, though many mindfulness specialists do not support this
because of the precepts' religious import. Lastly, many conflict prevention
programs make use of the precepts.>>>

**Role in Buddhist doctrine**

1)Buddhist scriptures explain the five precepts as the minimal standard of Buddhist
morality.
2)The word also refers to the virtue and morality which lies at the foundation of
the spiritual path to enlightenment, which is the first of the three
forms(higher virtue,higher mind,higher wisdom) of training on the path. Thus, the
precepts are rules or guidelines to develop mind and character to make
progress on the path to enlightenment.
3)The practice of the five precepts are also described as forms of merit-
making ,means to create good karma and have been described as social values
that bring harmony to society
4)In Buddhist texts, the ideal, righteous society is one in which people keep the
five precepts.

**Principles**

Precept Accompanying virtues

Related to human rights

1. Abstention from killing living beings Kindness and compassion

Right to life
2. Abstention from theft
formal rejection of something)
3. Abstention from sexual misconduct
faithfulness
4. Abstention from speaking lies (falsehood)
Right of human dignity
5. Abstention from intoxication
Right of security and safety
Generosity and renunciation(the
Right of property
Contentment and respect for
Right to fidelity in marriage
Being honest and dependable
Mindfulness and responsibility

**First precept**

The first precept prohibits the taking of life of a sentient being(In Buddhism, a
sentient being includes every conscious creature). It is violated when
someone intentionally and successfully kills such a sentient being, having
understood it to be sentient and using effort in the process it has also been
pointed out that the seriousness of taking life depends on the size, intelligence,
benefits done and the spiritual attainments of that living being.
Killing a large animal is worse than killing a small animal (also because it costs
more effort); killing a spiritually accomplished master is regarded as
more severe than the killing of another "more average" human being; and killing a
human being is more severe than the killing of an animal. But all killing
is sentenced to a particular punishment, especially death.Virtues that accompany
this precept are respect for dignity of life, kindness and compassion
A positive behavior that goes together with this precept is protecting living
beings. Positive virtues like sympathy and respect for other living beings
in this regard are based on a belief in the cycle of rebirth—that all living beings
must be born and reborn. The concept of the fundamental Buddha nature
of all human beings also underlies the first precept. The description of the first
precept can be interpreted as a prohibition of capital punishment.
Suicide is also seen as part of the prohibition.Moreover, abortion (of a sentient
being) goes against the precept, since in an act of abortion, the
criteria for violation are all met.<<< In Buddhism, human life is understood to
start at conception.>>>

**Second precept**

The second precept prohibits theft, and involves the intention to steal what one
perceives as not belonging to oneself ("what is not given") and acting
successfully upon that intention. The severity of the act of theft is judged by the
worth of the owner and the worth of that which is stolen.
Underhand dealings, fraud, cheating and forgery are also included in this precept.
Accompanying virtues are generosity, renunciation,and right
livelihood, and a positive behavior is the protection of other people's property.
Borrowing without permission is sometimes included, as well as gambling.
Professions that are seen to violate the second precept include working in the
gambling industry or marketing products that are not actually required
for the customer.

**Third precept**

The third precept condemns sexual misconduct. This has been interpreted in
classical texts to include adultery with a married or engaged person, fornication
(sexual intercourse between people not married to each other), rape, incest, sex
with a minor (under 18 years, or a person "protected by any relative"), and
sex with a prostitute.In later texts, details such as intercourse at an
inappropriate time or inappropriate place are also counted as breaches of the
third precept. Masturbation goes against the spirit of the precept, though in the
early texts it is not prohibited for laypeople.The third precept is explained
as leading to greed in oneself and harm to others. The transgression is regarded as
more severe if the other person is a good person.Virtues that go hand-in-hand
with the third precept are contentment, especially with one's partner, and
recognition and respect for faithfulness in a marriage. The third precept is
interpreted as avoiding harm to another by using sensuality in the wrong way. This
means not engaging with inappropriate partners, but also respecting one's
personal commitment to a relationship.

**Fourth precept**

The fourth precept involves falsehood spoken or committed to by action. Avoiding

other forms of wrong speech are also considered part of this precept,
consisting of malicious speech, harsh speech and gossip. A breach(an act of
breaking) of the precept is considered more serious if the falsehood is motivated
by an
intentionally hidden motive (rather than, for example, "a small white lie"). The
accompanying virtue is being honest and dependable, and involves honesty in work,
truthfulness to others, loyalty to superiors and gratitude to benefactors. In
Buddhist texts, this precept is considered second in importance to
the first precept, because a lying person is regarded to have no shame, and
therefore capable of many wrongs. Untruthfulness is not only to be avoided
because it harms others, but also because it goes against the Buddhist ideal of
finding the truth.The fourth precept includes avoidance of lying and harmful
speech.

**Fifth precept**

The fifth precept prohibits intoxication through alcohol, drugs or other means, and
its virtues are mindfulness and responsibility, applied to food,
work, behavior, and with regard to the nature of life.Awareness, meditation and
heedfulness can also be included.The fifth precept is regarded as important,
because drinking alcohol is condemned for the sluggishness and lack of self-control
it leads to,which might lead to breaking the other precepts.
Violating the first four precepts may be more or less blamable depending on the
person or animal affected, the fifth precept is always "greatly blamable",
as it hinders one from understanding the Buddha's teaching and may lead one to
"madness". The Dīrghāgama adds that that alcohol leads to angry mind,
negative states of mind and damage to one's intelligence.The Mahāyāna Brahmajāla
Sūtra[note 6] describes the dangers of alcohol in very strong terms,
including the selling of alcohol.Similar arguments against alcohol can be found in
Nāgārjuna's writings.

**Comparison with human rights**

The five precepts are very similar to human rights, with regard to subject matter
and with regard to their universal nature.
1)The first precept can be compared with the right to life.
2)The second precept is compared with the right of property.
3)The third precept is compared to the "right to fidelity(loyalty and support) in
marriage" or "right of individuals and the rights of society".
4)The fourth precept is compared with the "right not to be lied to" or "the right
of human dignity".
5)Finally, the fifth precept is compared with the right of individual security and
a safe society.