What is the Eight Precepts Observance?

Original text from the Sixteenth Volume of the Ekottarika Āgama, High Banner Chapter: What is the method of the Eight Precepts? Maintain a mind like that of an Arhat. For the entire lifespan, abstain from killing, harbor no harmful intent, and hold thoughts of loving-kindness toward all beings. I, named so-and-so, now observe this precept until tomorrow at dawn: I will not kill, harbor no harmful intent, and hold loving-kindness toward all beings.

Explanation: What is the method of the Eight Precepts? Cultivate one’s mind to be like that of an Arhat, abstaining from killing throughout one’s entire lifespan, without any intention to harm beings, holding only thoughts of loving-kindness toward all beings. I, named so-and-so, now observe this precept until tomorrow at dawn, upholding the precept against killing, without harmful intent, and with loving-kindness toward all beings.

Original text: Like an Arhat, without any unwholesome thoughts, abstain from stealing throughout the entire lifespan, and delight in giving. I, named so-and-so, abstain from stealing for the entire lifespan. From today until tomorrow, I maintain this state of mind.

Explanation: Like an Arhat, without unwholesome thoughts, abstain from stealing throughout one’s entire lifespan, and delight in generosity. I, named so-and-so, abstain from stealing throughout this life. From today until tomorrow, I maintain this state of mind.

Original text: Like such an Arhat, abstain from sexual misconduct throughout the entire lifespan, without any unwholesome thoughts, constantly cultivating the pure Brahmacarya, keeping the body fragrant and clean. Today, I uphold the precept against sexual misconduct. I will not think of my own wife, nor entertain thoughts of other women. Until tomorrow at dawn, I will commit no transgression.

Explanation: Like such an Arhat, abstain from sexual desire throughout the entire lifespan, without unwholesome thoughts, forever cultivating the pure Brahmacarya, keeping the body fragrant and clean. Today, I uphold the precept against sexual desire. I will not think of my own wife, nor think of other women. Until tomorrow at dawn, I will transgress no precept.

Original text: Like an Arhat, abstain from false speech throughout the entire lifespan, always knowing truthfulness, deceiving no one. From today until tomorrow, I abstain from false speech. From now on, I will no longer engage in false speech.

Explanation: Like an Arhat, abstain from false speech throughout this entire lifespan, always maintaining a sincere heart, deceiving no one. From today until tomorrow at dawn, I abstain from false speech. From now on, I will no longer engage in false speech.

Original text: Like an Arhat, abstain from intoxicants, so that the mind remains undisturbed. Uphold the Buddha’s prohibitive precepts without transgression. I too shall be like this from now on. From today until tomorrow at dawn, I will not consume intoxicants. I uphold the Buddha’s prohibitive precepts without transgression.

Explanation: Like an Arhat, abstain from intoxicants so that the mind remains undisturbed, uphold the Buddha’s prohibitive precepts without violation. I too shall act thus from now on. From today until tomorrow at dawn, I will not consume intoxicants. I uphold the Buddha’s prohibitive precepts without transgression.