Contents of the Eight Precepts
The Acceptance of the Eight Precepts
The Merits Attributed to the Practice of the Eight Precepts
The Eight Precepts are precepts targeted towards the expulsion of eight specific evils. By adhering to the precepts, the practitioner is guarded against committing most types of unwholesome action, speech, and thought, and guided along the way of goodness which leads towards the exit from the cycle of rebirth. Thus the Eight Precepts have sometimes been referred to as a shortcut along the Buddhist path. Also, because proper adherence to the Eight Precepts generally requires departure from home, they have also been described as a means of allowing the practitioner to familiarise themselves with the monastic way of life.
Contents of the Eight Precepts
According to the Abhidharma, the Eight Precepts are defined as abstinence from the following :
1. Killing.
2. Stealing.
3. Sexual activity.
4. False speech.
5. Intoxication.
6. Ornamental and extravagant attire.
7. Reveling in music and dancing.
8. Sleeping in a bed of excessive dimensions and comfort.The practitioner who takes acceptance of the Eight Precepts may also follow the additional practice of refraining from eating after midday.
Notice that the first five abstentions are actually identical to the Five Precepts, other than the upgrade of (3) from abstention from sexual misconduct to abstention from sexual activities. This means that the practitioner of the Eight Precepts must refrain even from sexual activities with his/her spouse.
This leaves only(6), (7), (8) requiring discussion in detail.
(6) and (7) collectively aim at removing the delusive influences of form, sound and fragrance from the practitioner's mind. By attiring oneself simply and not indulging in the dissipated pleasures through sight and hearing, the practitioner moves away from craving. He/she would then more readily turn to the path of purity which will induce the primary karmic effects of a properly developed body and mind as well as the secondary karmic effects of a favourable environment for further cultivation.
(8) is quantified in the Sutra according to the following measurements (feet): 1.6 (height) / 4 (width) / 8 (length). Anything greater is defined excessive. Ideally, the practitioner's feet should touch the ground when sitting on the edge of the bed. However, the focus of this abstention should not be so much in the geometry, but rather on the implication that the practitioner should not place excessive concern on physical comfort. Only by reducing the needs of the body and hence living a life of simple material requirements can the practitioner improve more rapidly on the spiritual path.
Regarding the additional practice of not eating after midday, this method trains the body to sustain on less and reduce its craving for food.
The Acceptance of the Eight Precepts
The duration for practice of the Eight Precepts is at least for a day and a night. It is usually practised in one of the six days of purification in the Lunar month, namely the eighth, fourteenth, fifteenth, twenty-third, twenty-ninth, and thirtieth. It is said in the Sutra that the Four Deva Kings would send their envoys on these days to survey the earth, and they would be delighted to see sentient beings practising charity, precepts and filial piety, hence the choice of these days for cultivation. In fact, the Eight Precepts can be practised on other days, especially on commemorative days such as the birthdays of the Buddhas or of one's parents. It is common practice for monasteries to decide on the days of practice to suit the convenience of the devotees. After notice has been given, the public can register for acceptance. Procedures of the ceremony usually include eight parts :
- Request for guidance of the teacher.
- A discourse on the precepts.
- Request for the witness of the vow.
- Repentance.
- Thrice summoning of the congregation.
- Announcement on the form of Precepts.
- A discourse on the Great Vows.
- Administering blessings.
It is common practice that a Dharma Master should preside over the ceremony as witness to the acceptance of these precepts. But as stated in the Abhidharma, the Eight Precepts can still be practised in the absence of a Master if the vow is taken in front of the image of the Buddha.
It is not necessary for the practitioner to wear the same kind of robe as the monastic although this is considered a one-day renunciation. They only need to wear the common robes for lay Buddhist followers.
Anyone who wishes to denounce any of the Precepts during the observance period can do so without notifying the Master who gave the initial acceptance. But the intention must be let known to someone.
There is no limitation on the actual duration of the practice. After one day and night, the practice can be extended for a further period. The length of time for which it is extended is purely dependent on the wish of the practitioner.
People often wonder whether the merit derived from upholding the Five Precepts for life is greater than that from the observance of the Eight Precepts for a short period. According to the Sutra, it is more important in any kind of observance to sincerely embrace the precepts and be dedicated to their practice. The actual length of time in the practice is not as relevant.
The Merits Attributed to the Practice of the Eight Precepts
According to various Sutras, the merits that can be accrued from the practice of the Eight Precepts are as follows :
1. Attenuation of hindrance caused by bad karmic effects.
2. Departure from the evil paths.
3. Abundance in felicitous rewards.
4. Attainment of nobility in future lives.
5. Attainment of respectable looks in future lives.
6. Attainment of extreme happiness.
7. Fulfillment of all aspirations.
The practice of the Eight Precepts for only a day and a night with absolute purity of mind can result in boundless merits. It can also sow the seed of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and greatly enhance cultivation on the Bodhisattva path.
