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[1] I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
[2] I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
[3] I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
[4] I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
[5] I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

– The Five Precepts

Usually, for beginners, when we speak of commitment to observation of the Five Precepts to uphold basic morality, we focus on the actions to refrain from. However to more fully observe these precepts, we should realise that there are a total of three kinds of conduct, via the three gates of body, speech and mind. Physical action is merely the most visible form of conduct, with effects that are more readily experienced. Yet, such deeds, that we might or might not speak of before doing, always result from first entertaining thoughts of doing them. This means the primary way to observe all precepts is to always guard our minds, lest unchecked unwholesome thoughts multiply and manifest as unwholesome speech and deeds that more conclusively break the precepts. Thus, the below factors for mindfulness are good reminders for all of us –

Physical Precept Factors

[1] Refrain from deed of killing.
[2] Refrain from deed of stealing.
[3] Refrain from deed of sexual misconduct.
[4] Refrain from deed of lying.
[5] Refrain from deed of taking intoxicants.

Verbal Precept Factors

[1] Refrain from speech of wanting to kill.
[2] Refrain from speech of wanting to steal.
[3] Refrain from speech of wanting to have sexual misconduct.
[4] Refrain from speech of wanting to lie.
[5] Refrain from speech of wanting to take intoxicants.

Mental Precept Factors

[1] Refrain from thought of wanting to kill.
[2] Refrain from thought of wanting to steal.
[3] Refrain from thought of wanting to have sexual misconduct.
[4] Refrain from thought of wanting to lie.
[5] Refrain from thought of wanting to take intoxicants.

There are also clear and strong links between the Five Precepts and the Ten Wholesome Actions (Deeds) of abstaining from [1] killing, [2] stealing, [3] sexual misconduct. [4] lying, [5] divisive speech, [6] harsh speech, [7] idle (useless, flowery) speech (gossip), [8] covetousness (greed), [9] ill will (hatred) and [10] wrong views (delusion). [1], [2], [3] and [4] correspond to the first four precepts, while [5], [6] and [7] extend the list with other factors beyond the Fourth Precept to have more wholesome speech. [8], [9] and [10] correspond to the Three Poisons, which cause breaking of the precepts via unwholesome actions in the first place. When we mindfully guard our minds against these poisons, we will most effectively uphold all the Five Precepts. Before attempting to nip the posions in the bud, we shoot prevent them from taking root!

[1] With deeds of loving-kindness, I purify my body.
[2] With open-handed generosity, I purify my body.
[3] With stillness, simplicity and contentment, I purify my body.
[4] With truthful communication, I purify my speech.
[5] With mindfulness clear and radiant, I purify my mind.

– The Five Positive Precepts

Shen Shi'an

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