These training rules are observed by novice monks and nuns. They are derived from the Eight Precepts by splitting the precept concerning entertainments into two parts and by adding one rule prohibiting the handling of money.
A fully-ordained monk (bhikkhu) observes the 227 rules of the bhikkhu Patimokkha; a fully ordained nun (bhikkhuni) would observe the 311 rules of the bhikkhuni Patimokkha.
The Ten Precepts:
- 1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
- 2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
- 3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
- 4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
- 5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
- 6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
- 7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visuka-dassana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing,singing, music, going to see entertainments.
- 8. Mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
- 9. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
- 10. Jatarupa-rajata-patiggahana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
- I undertake the precept to refrain from accepting gold and silver (money).
See also:
- The Five Precepts
- The Eight Precepts
- Virtue (sila)
- Vinaya Pitaka
- The Patimokkha: The Bhikkhu's Code of Discipline
- The Khuddakapatha, which contains a number of short stanzas and passages for novices.
- The Samaññaphala Sutta (DN 2) — The Fruits of the Contemplative Life
- For a comprehensive look at the bhikkhu Patimokkha, see The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume I, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
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Last revised for Access to Insight on 17 December 2013.
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