Buddhist practice requires the undertaking of five basic precepts as the
minimum commitment to not harming others through our speech and actions.
These precepts are recited regularly to remind students of their commitment.
The precepts are:
I undertake to refrain from killing and harming living beings.
I undertake to refrain from stealing and taking that which is not mine.
I undertake to refrain from causing harm through sexual misconduct.
I undertake to refrain from false speech, harmful speech, gossip, and
slander.
I undertake to refrain from the misuse of intoxicants or substances such as
alcohol or drugs that cause carelessness or loss of awareness.
The positive power of virtue is enormous. When we don’t live by these
precepts, it is said we live like wild beasts; without them, all other
spiritual practice is a sham. Imagine trying to sit down to meditate after a
day of lying and stealing. Then imagine what a different world this would be
if everyone kept even one precept – not to kill, not to lie, or not to
steal. We would truly create a new world order.
– Jack Kornfield, A Path with Heart