Buddhism in Practice

Daily Practice

• May I start each day with my daily commitment and a meditation period.
• May I live each day in keeping with the eightfold path, the precepts and the full teachings of the dhamma.
• May I take time on frequent days to study the teaching of the Buddha and the way we understand and practice the dhamma.
• May I conclude each day with my daily reflection, new commitment, and a meditation period.

Daily Commitment

I believe the Buddha was a man who did come to understand the nature and cause of unhappiness. I believe the teaching of the Buddha explains this truth and also the virtuous life and practices by which one can become free of suffering. I believe that those who have followed the path of the Buddha are each proof of the truth of his teachings, and that their example and guidance can help one fully awaken to the dhamma. I believe that one can attain to final liberation.

The choices I make lead to suffering or happiness. May I follow well the path of the Buddha; may my effort be true and unwavering. May I know a calm mind, a compassionate heart, the peace of equanimity and the liberating experience of absolute truth.

Eightfold Path

Daily Precepts

1. Today, for this day and night, I will abandon the destruction of life and abstain from it; with rod and weapon laid aside, I will be conscientious and kindly and dwell compassionate towards all living beings.
2. Today, for this day and night, I will abandon the taking of what is not given and abstain from it, accept only what is given, expect only what is given, and dwell with honest heart devoid of theft.
3. Today, for this day and night, I will abandon sexual misconduct and live a chaste life, remote from wanton lust and promiscuity, refraining from thoughts and actions that may do harm to myself or others.
4. Today, for this day and night, I will abandon false speech and abstain from it; be a speaker of truth, adherent of truth, trustworthy and reliable, not a deceiver of the world.
5. Today, for this day and night, I will abandon wines, liquors and intoxicants which are the basis of negligence and abstain from them.
6. Today, for this day and night, I willl eat to promote the health of this body, refraining from gluttony and untimely meals.
7. Today, for this day and night, I willl abandon music and shows which cause lustful or violent thoughts or cause an imbalance in my emotions or thinking.
8. Today, for this day and night, I willl refrain from wearing garlands, smartening with perfumes and beautifying with cosmetics.
9. Today, for this day and night, I willl refrain from excessive luxuriating.
10. Today, for this day and night, I willl be modest in the acquisition of wealth, refrain from hoarding and be charitable and generous with what I have.

Daily Reflection

Have I been skillful today? Have I held true to the dhamma?

sammādiṭṭhi — Have I held views or opinions that are untrue, unsupported or of no value?

sammāsaṅkappo — Has my intention in thought, speech and behavior been in keeping with living, expressing and professing the dhamma? Am I guided by passion or compassion; by truth or opinion and desire?

sammāvācā — Has my speech ben true, timely and of value? Can I really know my speech is true? Has my speech been harsh?

sammākammanto — Have my actions been true to my practice and my responsibilities?

sammāājīvo — Have I made personal profit or gain at the expense of another?

sammāvāyāmo — Have I endeavored and persevered? Have I succumbed to sloth or torpor or rationalized poor effort?

sammāsati — Have I remained mindful or constantly brought my attention back to the present moment, my speech and behavior and actions, and my practice of the dhamma?

sammāsamādhi — Have I practiced meditation today? Have I cultivated concentration both in meditation and in life such as in conversation, reading, driving, or any other endeavor?

Do I have some failure of this day which must be corrected? Do I have a need to focus particular effort on a shortcoming?

Uposatha

During times of Uposatha, may I extend my daily practice to be based on the eight precepts of the leity.

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from misconduct in regard to sense pleasures.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.
5. Suramerayamajjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented and distilled intoxicants which are the basis for heedlessness.
6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from eating beyond the time limit
7. Nacca gita vadita visukhadassana-mala gandha vilepana dharanamandana vibhusanatthana veramani sikkhapadam samamadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from dancing, singing, instrumental music, unsuitable shows, and from wearing garlands, using scents, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
8. Uccasayana mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami — I undertake the training rule to abstain from high and luxurious beds and seats.

See also:

• Going for Refuge & Taking the Precepts by Bhikkhu Bodhi
• Lay Buddhist Practice by Bhikkhu Khantipalo
• The Bhikkhus' Rules: A Guide for Laypeople by Bhikkhu Ariyesako
• The Buddhist Layman
• The Noble Eightfold Path by Bhikkhu Bodhi
• The Eightfold Path - expanded notes
• The Six Paramitas
• The Ten Courses of Wholesome Karma
• The Ten Precepts (dasa-sila)
• Uposatha Observance Days
• Uposatha Sila: The Eight-Precept Observance by Ñanavara Thera