Five Precepts


Gahattha Sila Aradhana • Laity Precepts Requesting

Ahaṁ bhante, tisaraṇena saddhim, Pañcama sīlaṁ, dhammaṁ yācāmi, anuggahaṁ katvā sīlaṁ detha me, bhante.

Bhante, may I request the five precepts along with the three refuges. Having shown compassion, please grant me the precepts, Bhante.

Dutiyam’pi, Ahaṁ bhante, tisaraṇena saddhim, Pañcama sīlaṁ, dhammaṁ yācāmi, anuggahaṁ katvā sīlaṁ detha me, bhante.

For the second time, may I request the five precepts along with the three refuges. Having shown compassion, please grant me the precepts, Bhante.

Tatiyam’pi, Ahaṁ bhante, tisaraṇena saddhim, Pañcama sīlaṁ, dhammaṁ yācāmi, anuggahaṁ katvā sīlaṁ detha me, bhante.

For the third time, may I request the five precepts along with the three refuges. Having shown compassion, please grant me the precepts, Bhante.

[Bhante] Yam ahaṁ vadāmi, taṁ vadehi (vadetha) 

Whatever I say, you (all) repeat after me.

[Student] Āma Bhante. 

Yes, Bhante.


Tisarana – Taking Three Refuges

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhasa (X3)

Homage to the Blessed One, the Supreme Arahant, the Rightly and Fully Awakened One!

Buddhaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

Dhammaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

Saṁghaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

I go to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha as my refuge.

Dutiyampi Buddhaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

Dutiyampi Dhammaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

Dutiyampi Saṁghaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

For the second time, I go to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha as my refuge.

Tatiyampi Buddhaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

Tatiyampi Dhammaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

Tatiyampi Saṁghaṁ Saranaṁ Gacchāmi.

For the third time, I go to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha as my refuge.

[Bhante] Tisaraṇa Gamanaṁ Sam-Puṇṇaṁ.

Taking refuge is complete.

[Student] Āma Bhante

Yes, Bhante.


Pañca sīla • Five Precepts

1. Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī, sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi

I undertake the training step to abstain from destroying the life force.

2. Adinnā-dānā veramanī, sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi

I undertake the training step to abstain from taking what is not given.

3. Kamesu micchā-cārā veramanī, sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi

I undertake the training step to abstain from sexual misconduct (wrong conduct in sexual pleasures).

4. Musā-vādā veramanī, sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi

I undertake the training step to abstain from false speech.

5. Surā-meraya-majja-pamā-daṭṭhānā veramanī, sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi

I undertake the training step of refraining from fermented drink, distilled liquor, and intoxicating substances—the ground of spiritual laxity.

[Bhante] Tisaranena saddhim Pañcama sīlaṁ dhammam sādhukam surakkhitam katvā Appamādena sampādethabbam.

Maintaining well the Five Precepts with the Three Refuges, strive on with diligence.

[Student] Sādhu, Bhante.

Yes, bhante


Patthanā & Punnanumodana • Aspirations & Sharing of Merits

Idaṁ me puññam, āsavakkaya vahaṁ hotu,

Idaṃ me silam, nibbānassa paccayo hotu;

Mama puñña-bhāgaṁ, sabbasattānaṁ bhājemi,

Te sabbe me samaṁ, puñña-bhāgaṁ labhantu.

May this merit of mine be conducive to the destruction of the āsavas (defilements). May this virtue of mine be a (supportive) condition for Nibbāna. I share my merits done today with all beings. May all those beings get an equal share of the merits shared by me.