How to Observe the Eight Precepts

Original text from the Sixteenth Volume of the Ekottara Āgama, the High Banner Chapter: The World-Honored One addressed the bhikṣus, saying: "Within the fifteen days [of the lunar month], there are three observance days. What are the three? The eighth, fourteenth, and fifteenth days. How does one uphold the eight-precept observance on the fifteenth day?" At that time, the bhikṣus said to the World-Honored One: "The Tathāgata is the king of all dharmas, the seal of all dharmas. We beseech the World-Honored One to expound this meaning for the bhikṣus. Having heard it, the bhikṣus will respectfully practice it."

Explanation: The World-Honored One told the bhikṣus: Within the first fifteen days of each month, there are three observance days. What are the three observances? The eighth, fourteenth, and fifteenth days are the three observance days. How does one uphold the eight-precept observance method during the fifteen days? At this time, the bhikṣus said to the World-Honored One: The Tathāgata is the king of all dharmas, the seal of all dharmas. We hope the World-Honored One will expound this Dharma meaning for the bhikṣus. After hearing it, the bhikṣus will respectfully practice the Dharma meaning.

The eight-precept observance can be received on any day. One can receive it continuously for seven days, or for a full month, and it can be self-pledged before the Buddha. This adds three precepts to the foundation of the five precepts, making eight precepts. Regarding the precept against sexual misconduct: the five precepts permit licit sexual relations, but the eight precepts prohibit any form of sexual activity. For those who have received the five precepts, the first five precepts of the eight-precept observance must be upheld daily, while the latter three precepts are upheld only when observing the eight-precept observance.

The precept prohibiting sitting or lying on high and broad beds is established so that Buddhist disciples will not generate any arrogance. Arrogance will increase self-view and self-attachment, strengthening the bonds of birth and death. The precept prohibiting eating after noon is established so that Buddhist disciples will eat less, have a pure mind, and possess wisdom to enter the path and attain liberation. The precept prohibiting adorning oneself with garlands, perfumes, or cosmetics is established so that Buddhist disciples will sever the view of self regarding the body and not cling to the form of the physical body. The five precepts, eight precepts, śrāmaṇera precepts, śrāmaṇerikā precepts, bhikṣu precepts, and bhikṣuṇī precepts established by the Buddha are all intended to enable Buddhist disciples to eradicate self-view, eliminate afflictions, and attain liberation. These precepts are also called the precepts of individual liberation; upholding one precept liberates one from a portion of bondage.

Original text: The World-Honored One said: "Listen attentively, listen attentively, and reflect well upon it. I shall explain it to you in detail. Bhikṣus, if there are virtuous men or virtuous women who, on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month, when it is time for reciting the precepts and observing the fast, come before the fourfold assembly, they should speak thus: 'Today, on this observance day, I wish to uphold the eight-precept observance. I beseech the Venerable One to bestow it upon me.' At that time, the fourfold assembly should teach and recite the eight-precept observance for them. First, instruct them to say: 'Virtuous man, state your own name.' After they have stated their name, then recite the eight-precept observance for them."

Explanation: The World-Honored One told the bhikṣus: Listen attentively, listen attentively, and reflect well upon it. I shall now explain it to you in detail. Bhikṣus, if there are virtuous men or virtuous women who, on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the lunar month, when it is time for explaining the precepts and upholding the fast, come before the fourfold assembly and declare publicly: "On this observance day today, I wish to receive and uphold the eight-precept observance. I earnestly request the Venerable One to confer the eight-precept observance upon me." At this time, the Venerable One will then personally transmit the eight-precept observance within the fourfold assembly. First, instruct the petitioner thus: "Virtuous man, you should state your own Dharma name." After the petitioner states their name, the Venerable One will then transmit the eight-precept observance to them.

If one wishes to receive the eight-precept observance, one must request it from an ordained monastic. This is called "seeking the precepts." Since precepts are received from the Three Jewels, one must seek them from the Saṅgha Jewel among the Three Jewels. Only when conferred by an ordained monastic can one obtain the precept substance. Laypeople absolutely must not substitute for ordained monastics in performing the precept-conferring ceremony; doing so constitutes overstepping authority and position, stealing the authority and position [of the Saṅgha], committing the offense of stealing from the Three Jewels. Moreover, laypeople cannot possibly invite the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma-protecting deities to confer the precepts and bear witness to the precept reception. The same applies to the Three Refuges and Five Precepts: all are received from ordained monastics; laypeople cannot usurp this role. Furthermore, if ordained monastics are available to confer the precepts, one cannot self-pledge before the Buddha to receive the precepts, bypassing the ordained monastics; otherwise, the precept substance will not be obtained. Only in places without ordained monastics may one self-pledge to receive the eight-precept observance.