Eight Precepts (aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni)
Precepts / Eight Precepts 
Part of tag cluster Precepts in key topic Foundations of Dhamma Practice
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Also a subtag of Renunciant practice
Subtags: Killing, Stealing, Sexual activity, False speech, Intoxicants, Eating after noon, Entertainment and adornment, High and luxurious beds
See also: Renunciation
15 excerpts, 1:36:49 total duration




Remembering Ajahn Chah Weekend, Session 19 – Apr. 28, 2001

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3. Story: Ajahn Sundarā stays with a nun who lived at Wat Pah Pong with Ajahn Chah. Told by Ajahn Sundarā. [Ajahn Sundarā] [Mae Chee ] [Wat Pah Pong] [Ajahn Chah]

Story: The first nun at Wat Pah Pong. [Artistic expression] [Determination] [Sequence of training] [Eight Precepts]

Story: The Wat Pah Pong nuns go pindapat. [Almsround]

Quote: “Does anyone find having nuns around difficult?” – “Yes.” – “Well, you can go then.” — Ajahn Chah. [Pāṭimokkha] [Women in Buddhism]

Story: A woman brings only enough food for the monks, so Ajahn Chah asks the nuns to chant the blessing. [Generosity] [Mutual lay/Saṅgha support] [Chanting] [Fierce/direct teaching]

Note: Stillness Flowing Chapter 9 contains more information about the Wat Pah Pong mae chees at the time of Ajahn Chah.


Thanksgiving Retreat 2011, Session 3 – Nov. 21, 2010

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5. “Eight Precepts illuminates the vanity within.’ Could you offer some encouragements or reflections on the beauty of the Dhamma as a remedy?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Eight Precepts] [Conceit] [Beauty] [Dhamma] // [Recollection/Dhamma] [Faith] [Learning] [Sutta]

Reference: Amaravati Chanting Book, p. 6: Recollection of the Dhamma.

Story: Ajahn Khao’s realization came from reflecting on rice. [Ajahn Khao] [Liberation] [Symbolism/metaphor] [Gratitude] [Bodhi Tree]


Thanksgiving Retreat 2011, Session 5 – Nov. 23, 2010

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20. “Can you offer some inspiration to the group as to observing the Eight Precepts on the Uposatha Days? I’ve been observing every quarter moon, and it would be comforting to know that I’m part of a larger group. Please reflect on the value of restraint outside the retreat environment.” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Eight Precepts] [Lunar observance days ] [Sense restraint] [Everyday life] // [Culture/Thailand] [Wat Pah Pong] [Wat Pah Nanachat]

Story: Ajahn Pasanno’s first Uposatha Day at Wat Pah Pong. [Ajahn Pasanno] [Lay life]

Sutta: AN 8.41: “Suppose the lay people spent a day and a night living like the arahants.” [Arahant] [Eight Precepts]


Right Livelihood, Session 1 – Apr. 21, 2013

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29. Story: The head of Lalanka Water invites monks to stay above his office and teach the employees. Told by Ajahn Yatiko. [Work] [Mutual lay/Saṅgha support] [Teaching Dhamma] [Right Livelihood] // [Lunar observance days] [Eight Precepts] [Meditation] [Dhamma discussion] [Respect]

Story: The ultra-competent assistant who wants to ordain. [Monastic life/Motivation]

Story: The king’s assistant who dives into the water to get 20 pounds of gold (DN 17).


Thanksgiving Retreat 2016, Session 6 – Nov. 24, 2016

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7. “‘Teacher of Gods and Humans’. Can you talk about this? What Gods did the Buddha teach? What other beings did the Buddha teach?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Recollection/Buddha] [Buddha] [Teaching Dhamma] [Deva] [Human] // [Realms of existence ] [Sutta] [Buddha/Biography] [Ajahn Chah]

Sutta: DN 21: Sakka’s Questions.

Sutta: Snp 2.4: Maṅgala Sutta (Chanting Book translation).

Vinaya: Khandhaka 17.3.11: The Buddha subdues an enraged elephant. [Animal]

Story: Ajahn Chah describes the beings inhabiting Wat Pah Pong. [Wat Pah Pong] [Non-human beings]

Story: The head being acquires faith, listens to teachings, and temporarily takes on the Eight Precepts. [Faith] [Hearing the true Dhamma] [Eight Precepts]


Chanting, Session 2 – Jun. 2, 2018

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4. “Can you explain the rhythm and scanning of the seventh of the Eight Precepts (Amaravati Chanting Book, p. 135)?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Karuṇadhammo. [Eight Precepts] [Entertainment and adornment] [Chanting] [Pāli]


Awaken to the New Year Retreat, Session 2 – Jan. 1, 2021

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6. “When we accidentally break the Eight Precepts, once we realize it, what’s the proper response in the mind?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Eight Precepts] // [Volition] [Virtue] [Renunciation]


Readings from The Island, Session 26 – Feb. 15, 2025

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7. “What are the benefits of observing the Eight Precepts in relation to just the Five Precepts?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Eight Precepts ] [Five Precepts] // [Renunciation] [Virtue] [Simplicity]