1. On Protecting Life
Aware of the suffering brought about by the destruction of life, I vow not to kill any living being. I will do my best to cultivate nonaggression and compassion and to learn to protect life.
2. On Respecting What Belongs to Others
Aware of the suffering caused by stealing or taking anything that belongs to others, I vow not to take what is not offered. I will do my best to respect the property of others.
3. On Protecting Celibacy
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful or aggressive sexual energy, I vow to keep the vow of celibacy. I will do my best to be aware of what harms myself and others and to nurture true love and respect, free from attachment. I aspire to serve and protect all beings.
4. On Mindful Speech
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech , I vow to cultivate right speech. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I will do my best to not lie, to not gossip, or slander, to not use harsh or idle speech or to say things that bring about division or hatred. I aspire always to speak the truth.
5. On Protecting the Body and Mind
Aware of the suffering caused by alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants, I vow not to drink liquor or to use drugs. I will do my best to live my life in a way that will increase my inner strength and flexibility as well as my openness to all beings and to life itself.



This vow is taken by many Buddhists. It is a refuge vow.
Well disciplined one
Please consider me
I take refuge on the Buddha
Supreme among human beings
I take refuge in the Dharma
Supreme among all that is free from attachment
I take refuge in the Sangha
Supreme among assemblies
Well disciplined one
Please accept me as an Upasaka Brahmacharya
From this moment on
For as long as I dwell in this place.