A SPECIAL PRACTICE OF KEEPING THE EIGHT MAHAYANA PRECEPTS

Precepts is a special practice of moral discipline that is performed with bodhichitta motivation.

The essence of the practice is to take eight precepts and keep them purely for a period of 24 hours. On this special day we take vows to abandon: killing; stealing; sexual activity; lying; taking intoxicants; sitting on a high or luxurious throne or seat; wearing jewelry, perfume, or make-up; singing or dancing; and eating more than one special meal at 12.30pm.

There are many benefits to practicing moral discipline in this way. It helps us solve our day to day problems and creates good karma to take us to a fortunate rebirth in the future. It is a powerful method both for purifying negative karma and accumulating merit or good fortune and brings us closer to the happiness of Enlightenment.