The precepts

The path of liberation that the Buddha points to is the threefold training in moral discipline (sila), concentration (samadhi), and wisdom (pañña). Sila, being the first step, is also the foundation for the entire path.

The Buddhist texts explain that sila has the characteristic of harmonizing our actions of body and speech. Sila harmonizes our actions by bringing them into accord with our own true interests, with the well-being of others, and with universal laws. Actions contrary to sila lead to a state of self-division marked by guilt, anxiety, and remorse. But the observance of the principles of sila heals this division, bringing our inner faculties together into a balanced and centred state of unity.

The most basic set of precepts found in the Buddha's teaching is the pañcasila, the five precepts, consisting of the five training rules:

1 To refrain from killing any living beings
2 To refrain from stealing or taking what is not freely offered
3 To refrain from sexual misconduct
4 To refrain from false speech
5 To refrain from intoxicants

Adapted from Going for Refuge & Taking the Precepts by Bhikkhu Bodhi.