There are more precepts that a layperson could observe. Those are the “Aajeevaka” eight precepts, “Upōsatha” eight precepts, and ten precepts for laypeople.

The Aajeevaka eight precepts:

  1. Refrain from killing beings.
  2. Refrain from stealing belongings of other people.
  3. Refrain from sexual misconducts.
  4. Refrain from lying.
  5. Refrain from divulge secrets.
  6. Refrain from speaking harsh/rude words.
  7. Refrain from speaking meaningless words.
  8. Refrain from unrighteous living.

Upōsatha (holy) eight precepts:

  1. Refrain from killing beings.
  2. Refrain from stealing belongings of other people.
  3. Refrain from all sexual activities.
  4. Refrain from lying.
  5. Refrain from using alcohols and misusing drugs.
  6. Refrain from eating food after midday (prevent taking any food between after the noon of a day until the Sun rises in the morning of the next day).
  7. Refrain from performing dancing, singing, participating in music, watching unseemly shows, using garlands, perfumes, unguents, ornaments.
  8. Refrain from using high and luxurious seats.

Ten precepts for laypeople:

  1. Refrain from killing beings.
  2. Refrain from stealing belongings of other people.
  3. Refrain from all sexual activities.
  4. Refrain from lying.
  5. Refrain from using alcohols and misusing drugs.
  6. Refrain from eating food after midday (prevent taking any food between after the noon of a day until the Sun rises in the morning of the next day).
  7. Refrain from performing dancing, singing, participating in music, watching unseemly shows.
  8. Refrain from using garlands, perfumes, unguents, ornaments.
  9. Refrain from using high and luxurious seats.
  10. Refrain from using money, gold, and silver.

You can try observing these precepts at least one day of each month. This day is the full moon day and is known as “Poya day” by the Buddhists.

Frequently Asked Questions about eight precepts