The Five Precepts

The Golden Code of Conductand the Heart of Buddhist Principles

Sīla means normal, the Five Precepts is the basis of living that brings peace to life and society by not harming oneself and others. This is a universal law. The Five Precepts are as follows: 

1. Abstain from killing. If this precept is violated intentionally, it will result in weak health and a short life when that person is born in the next life. There will be a lot of health issues which cause great suffering. 

2. Abstain from stealing both tangible and intangible things. This includes copyright or knowledge that the owner does not allow to be distributed without permission. Anyone who violates this precept will perish in wealth.

3. Abstain from sexual misconduct. A person who is unfaithful to his or her spouse will have trouble finding true love or may never find it at all.

4. Abstain from telling lies and creating misunderstanding. People who pay no attention to their words or make careless promises will not be respected and trusted by others. 

5. Abstain from taking intoxicating substances. Alcohols and various drugs destroy consciousness and the brain’s function, resulting in drunken people doing shameful things or hurting themselves and others such as drunk driving that leads to death or permanent disability. 

It can be said that morality is the dividing line between right and wrong. Those intentionally violating the precepts are simply heading for trouble.

The results of karma will cause one to fall into the four realms of evil: hell, hungry ghosts, monsters, or animals. It depends on the weight of the offense committed.