On a daily basis Buddhist are expected to obey the Five Precepts. These are:
- Do not kill
- Do not steal
- Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
- Do not make false speech
- Do not take intoxicants
On special occasions (such as Visakha Puja Day) Buddhist are expected to obey the Eight Precepts. These are:
- I undertake to abstain from taking life (both human and non-human).
- I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (stealing).
- I undertake to abstain from all sexual activity.
- I undertake to abstain from telling lies.
- I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
- I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is eating once, after sunrise, before noon).
- I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
- I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping.