Precepts with Ven Chokyi

These lay precepts/vows can be taken at any time but on any of the Four Holy Days, they are  especially meritorious.

The Eight Mahayana Precepts are a set of vows that are taken for 24 hours, from first light before dawn to sunrise of the following day. The only prerequisite is that the first time one takes precepts it should be from a qualified teacher who has received the oral transmission of the practice (Ven Thubten Chokyi). Pls note that the teacher with whom one first takes these precepts becomes one of your Gurus.

The eight precepts are:

1. Not to kill, even insects.
2. Not to steal (Not to take what is not offered).
3. Not to engage in sexual contact.
4. Not to lie.
5. Not use intoxicants: alcohol, tobacco and drugs (except for medicinal purposes).
6. Not to eat at wrong times.*
7. Not to sit on high, expensive beds or seats with pride. Avoid sitting on animal skins.
8. Not to wear jewellery, perfume, or makeup; and not to sing, dance, or play music with attachment.

Avoid eating black foods: meat, eggs, onions, garlic, and radishes. The main meal of the day is to be finished by midday. After that one can take light drinks, but not undiluted whole milk or fruit juice with pulp, nor any food until sunrise of the following day.

The benefits of keeping the precepts of ordination (dom pa) for a day, when taken with the will of enlightenment, Bodhicitta, are infinite.

Watch and take the precepts with Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Contact SPC@hayagriva.org.au      with any queries.