Panchashila of Buddhism
Also called: Five precepts · Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Panchashila are the five precepts, the five basic moral rules for Buddhist lay followers (people who stay in household life). A follower promises not to kill, not to steal, not to commit sexual misconduct, not to lie and not to take intoxicants. They are the simplest everyday form of the Buddha's path of righteous living. Monks and nuns in the sangha follow many more rules, which are set out in the Vinaya Pitaka.
Example
Buddhist householders in India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia have long recited the five precepts, often together with the three refuges (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha), when they visit a monastery or join a ceremony.
Don't confuse with
- Panchsheel (1954): these were five principles of peaceful coexistence agreed between India and China. They are about relations between countries, not personal conduct.
- Jaina five vows: Jaina monks and nuns vowed not to kill, steal or lie, to stay celibate and to own no property. The fifth vow is about property, not intoxicants.
Related concepts
- Four Noble Truths
- Dukkha
- Anicca
- Anatta
- Pratityasamutpada
- Middle path
- Eightfold Path
- Nibbana
- Sarnath
- Buddha's teachings to laity