Panca Sila
Below is the complete Panca Sila (Five Precepts) in the original Pali language, followed by a line-by-line English interpretation.
These are typically chanted after taking the Three Refuges (Tisarana). The leader chants each line, and the group repeats it.
The Chant Leader’s Invitation
Pali: “Mayam bhante, tisaranena saha panca silam yacama.” English: “Venerable sir, we ask for the Three Refuges together with the Five Precepts.”
(The congregation then repeats the following lines line by line.)
The Five Precepts (Panca Sila)
| Line | Pali | English Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 sexual misconduct. |
| 4 | Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. | I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech. |
| 5 | Surameraya-majja-pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. | I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented and distilled liquors which are the basis for heedlessness. |
Word-by-Word Breakdown (Line 5 for clarity)
Since Line 5 is the longest:
- Sura = fermented liquors (beer, wine)
- Meraya = distilled liquors (whiskey, vodka)
- Majja = intoxicants in general
- Pamadatthana = the foundation/cause of heedlessness (loss of mindfulness)
So literally: “From liquor, strong liquor, and intoxicants — the basis of negligence — I abstain.”
Closing Affirmation
After the final line, the congregation often chants:
Pali: “Imani panca sikkhapadani samadiyami.” English: “I undertake these five training rules.”
Sometimes followed by:
Pali: “Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!” English: “Well done! Well done! Well done!”
Note on Translation Nuance
- “Veramani” = abstention (not just restraint, but a conscious ethical choice)
- “Sikkhapadam” = training rule (not a “commandment” — Buddhism has no divine lawgiver; these are voluntary guidelines for spiritual progress)
- “Samadiyami” = I undertake / I accept
Unlike the Ten Commandments, these are not absolute moral judgments but personal vows taken repeatedly to cultivate mindfulness and ethical behavior. One can re-take them daily, weekly, or before meditation practice.
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