In short: The Eight Precepts are a simple, one-day retreat you can take anywhere. Lay Buddhists keep them for a day and a night, usually on Uposatha (wan phra), the Buddhist holy day, to live for a while a little more like the monks and nuns.
The Buddha describes this "sabbath with eight factors" in AN 8.41. The Pāli wording follows the standard training rules in Kp 2; translations by Bhikkhu Sujato on SuttaCentral.
The Eight Precepts, in Pāli and English
Each line ends with veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi, "I undertake the precept to refrain from…".
| # | Pāli | I undertake the precept to refrain from… |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pāṇātipātā | killing living creatures |
| 2 | Adinnādānā | stealing |
| 3 | Abrahmacariyā | sexual activity |
| 4 | Musāvādā | lying |
| 5 | Surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā | intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor |
| 6 | Vikālabhojanā | food at the wrong time |
| 7 | Naccagītavāditavisūkadassana-mālāgandhavilepana-dhāraṇamaṇḍanavibhūsanaṭṭhānā | seeing shows of dancing, singing, and music; and attiring and adorning myself with garlands, fragrance, and makeup |
| 8 | Uccāsayanamahāsayanā | high and luxurious beds |
The seventh precept joins two of the ten novice precepts into one, as in AN 8.41's seventh factor.
Read the full guide
Eight vs. Five Precepts
- The third becomes stricter: not only no sexual misconduct, but no sexual activity for the day.
- Three are added: no food after midday, no entertainment or beautifying, and no high or luxurious beds.
The everyday Five Precepts are for every day; the eight are for special days.
In the Buddha's words
As long as they live, the perfected ones give up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. They are scrupulous and kind, and live full of sympathy for all living beings. I, too, for this day and night will give up killing living creatures.
AN 8.41. Each factor follows the same pattern: the perfected ones do this for life; "I, too, for this day and night" will do the same.
How to keep them for a day
- Choose the day. Traditionally a full or new moon Uposatha; any quiet day works.
- Take them in the morning. Recite Namo tassa three times, the Three Refuges, then the eight precepts.
- Eat before midday. Drinks such as water, tea or juice are fine afterwards.
- Keep it simple. No music, films or social feeds; plain clothes; sleep on a simple mattress or mat.
- Fill the space. Read, walk quietly, meditate, chant, or help someone.
- End with gratitude the next morning.
How to keep the day well: the Uposatha of the noble ones.
Make a day of it: a one-day meditation retreat at home.
Try it
Try a gentler version first: one evening without screens, ended with the 3-minute evening practice.
Questions people ask
What are the Eight Precepts?
Refraining from killing, stealing, sexual activity, lying and intoxicants; from eating at the wrong time (after midday); from entertainment and adornment; and from high and luxurious beds. Lay Buddhists keep them for a day and a night, usually on Uposatha.
What is the difference between the Five and Eight Precepts?
The Eight Precepts change the third precept from sexual misconduct to no sexual activity at all, and add three: no food after midday, no entertainment or adornment, and no high or luxurious beds.
When do Buddhists keep the Eight Precepts?
Traditionally on Uposatha days, the Buddhist holy days that follow the moon's phases, and on retreats. They are kept for one day and night.