Every time I look back, I seem to understand a little more, about life and our existence. As we move from one stage of our life to the other, we see changes. As the famous proverb: “the only thing that is certain is change.”. I believe that all Tao, Zen and Theravada Buddhism, together with other religions have a fundamental connection and its a lifelong journey for us to study them. The basis of self cultivation and bringing positivness to us and our environment.
In Buddhism, there are the basic five percepts; which evolves to the eight percepts.
Five Percepts for Layman
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
Eight Percepts derived from Five Percepts
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
8. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami – I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
Source
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=93