There are two types of precepts that monks should observe and protect. They are the “Sāmanēra” (novice) ten precepts and “Upasampada” (ordained) precepts. The novice ten precepts are,

  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 of 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.

On the other hand, the ordained virtue consists of 227 precepts. A monk can start observing this ordained virtue after practicing the novice ten precepts for some time.