Upāsaka (masculine) or Upāsikā (feminine) means “one who sits close by,” and has come to refer to lay-people who practice the Dhamma. They are still living the household life (agārika) and take the refuges and five (or eight1) precepts as a daily guide along side upright livelihood, generosity, respect/gratitude, and cultivation of the mind.
Taking the refuges makes one a follower of the Buddha - a Buddhist – and are not refuges taken because there is no conviction, rather because there is a conviction that there is freedom; there is a way to freedom; and there are friends who can help us there. Although Nibbana is not a place.
The formula for taking the refuges and five precepts is-
(After bowing three times, with hands joined in añjali, recite:)
Mayaṃ/Ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha pañca sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Dutiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha pañca sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Tatiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/aye tisaraṇena saha pañca sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
We/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
For the second time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
For the third time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
Taking the Three Refuges
(Repeat, after the leader has chanted :)
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
To the Buddha I go for refuge.
To the Dhamma I go for refuge.
To the Sangha I go for refuge.
Dutiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Tatiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Leader: Tisaraṇa-gamanaṃ niṭṭhitaṃ
This completes the going to the Three Refuges.
Response: Āma bhante/ayye
Yes, Venerable Sir/Sister.
The Five Precepts
(To undertake the precepts, repeat each precept after the leader.)
1. Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature.
2. Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying.
5. Surāmeraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness.
Leader: Imāni pañca sikkhāpadāni
Sīlena sugatiṃ yanti
Sīlena bhogasampadā
Sīlena nibbutiṃ yanti
Tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye
These are the Five Precepts;
virtue is the source of happiness,
virtue is the source of true wealth,
virtue is the source of peacefulness.
Therefore let virtue be purified.
Response: Sādhu, sādhu, sādhu
“It is well said, it is well said, it is well,” (Bow three times.)
For the refuges and eight-precepts the formula is-
(After bowing three times, with hands joined in añjali, recite:)
Mayaṃ/Ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Dutiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Tatiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
We/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.
For the second time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.
For the third time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.
Taking the Three Refuges
(Repeat, after the leader has chanted the first three lines:)
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
To the Buddha I go for refuge.
To the Dhamma I go for refuge.
To the Sangha I go for refuge.
Dutiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Tatiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Leader: Tisaraṇa-gamanaṃ niṭṭhitaṃ
This completes the going to the Three Refuges.
Response: Āma bhante/ayye
Yes, Venerable Sir/Sister.
The Eight Precepts
(To undertake the precepts, repeat each precept after the leader.)
1. Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature.
2. Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from any intentional sexual activity.
4. Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying.
5. Surāmeraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness.
6. Vikālabhojanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times.
7. Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūkadassanāmālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from entertainment, beautification, and adornment.
8. Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
Leader: Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyām
Response: Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi
Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi
Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi
I undertake these Eight Precepts. (X3)
Leader: Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni
Sīlena sugatiṃ yanti
Sīlena bhogasampadā
Sīlena nibbutiṃ yanti
Tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye
These are the Eight Precepts;
virtue is the source of happiness,
virtue is the source of true wealth,
virtue is the source of peacefulness.
Therefore let virtue be purified.
Response: Sādhu, sādhu, sādhu
“It is well said, it is well said, it is well,” (Bow three times.)
The form of the eight precepts rendered here is for the Uposotha (full, new, and quarter lunar cycle) days, however if one wishes to undertake these precepts on a full time basis the third can be rendered as in the five precepts.
A mind subdued by benevolence (abyāpannacitto) is also strongly recommended for lay people and one of the ten skilful actions. This mental cultivation is key to all forms of samana (as opposed to Brahmin), be it a Buddhist; Jain; or other group who fall within the general grouping.
This benevolent mind would be free from stinginess, yet not to the extent where it puts them into difficulties. Also a respectful and supportive attitude – non-envious – is present. This attitude is in general toward one's parents, teachers, spouse, friends, workers and religious guides although not limited to them and especially for ones parents.
A lay-person would also engage in upright means of support. Although what is a considered a good livelihood is not mentioned wrong livelihood is spelled out more specifically to include business in weapons, poisons, meat, intoxicant, & humans. However looking at the monastic form of dissident means of support, which includes scheming, talking, hinting, belittling, pursuing gain with gain, when one of these is predominant (particularly when it breaches the precepts one has taken upon themselves in any way) it could also be considered improper for an occupation for lay people.
As walking the path to freedom is important to the Buddhas teachings - and also a form of showing respect for the teacher – developing discernment regarding the four noble truths is also important for a layperson to develop. This discernment (regarding the Four Noble Truths) informs the practice both inside and outside formal periods of practice.
Suggested Guidelines
The following guidelines are meant as an outline for training as a lay-person and are intended to provide a quick reference to the content of the texts for further study and encouragement to focus on areas of practice in this form.
Notes
1 - Here the third precept can be changed to that of the five precepts, if undertaking the eight precepts on a full time basis. As suggested by the Dhammika Sutta.
Taking the refuges makes one a follower of the Buddha - a Buddhist – and are not refuges taken because there is no conviction, rather because there is a conviction that there is freedom; there is a way to freedom; and there are friends who can help us there. Although Nibbana is not a place.
The formula for taking the refuges and five precepts is-
(After bowing three times, with hands joined in añjali, recite:)
Mayaṃ/Ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha pañca sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Dutiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha pañca sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Tatiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/aye tisaraṇena saha pañca sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
We/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
For the second time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
For the third time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
Taking the Three Refuges
(Repeat, after the leader has chanted :)
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
To the Buddha I go for refuge.
To the Dhamma I go for refuge.
To the Sangha I go for refuge.
Dutiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Tatiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Leader: Tisaraṇa-gamanaṃ niṭṭhitaṃ
This completes the going to the Three Refuges.
Response: Āma bhante/ayye
Yes, Venerable Sir/Sister.
The Five Precepts
(To undertake the precepts, repeat each precept after the leader.)
1. Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature.
2. Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying.
5. Surāmeraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness.
Leader: Imāni pañca sikkhāpadāni
Sīlena sugatiṃ yanti
Sīlena bhogasampadā
Sīlena nibbutiṃ yanti
Tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye
These are the Five Precepts;
virtue is the source of happiness,
virtue is the source of true wealth,
virtue is the source of peacefulness.
Therefore let virtue be purified.
Response: Sādhu, sādhu, sādhu
“It is well said, it is well said, it is well,” (Bow three times.)
For the refuges and eight-precepts the formula is-
(After bowing three times, with hands joined in añjali, recite:)
Mayaṃ/Ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Dutiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
Tatiyampi mayaṃ/ahaṃ bhante/ayye tisaraṇena saha aṭṭha sīlāni yācāma/yācāmi
We/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.
For the second time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.
For the third time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.
Taking the Three Refuges
(Repeat, after the leader has chanted the first three lines:)
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammāsambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
To the Buddha I go for refuge.
To the Dhamma I go for refuge.
To the Sangha I go for refuge.
Dutiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Tatiyampi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.
For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.
Leader: Tisaraṇa-gamanaṃ niṭṭhitaṃ
This completes the going to the Three Refuges.
Response: Āma bhante/ayye
Yes, Venerable Sir/Sister.
The Eight Precepts
(To undertake the precepts, repeat each precept after the leader.)
1. Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature.
2. Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from any intentional sexual activity.
4. Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying.
5. Surāmeraya-majja-pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness.
6. Vikālabhojanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times.
7. Nacca-gīta-vādita-visūkadassanāmālā-gandha-vilepana-dhāraṇa-maṇḍana-vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from entertainment, beautification, and adornment.
8. Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
Leader: Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyām
Response: Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi
Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi
Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni samādiyāmi
I undertake these Eight Precepts. (X3)
Leader: Imāni aṭṭha sikkhāpadāni
Sīlena sugatiṃ yanti
Sīlena bhogasampadā
Sīlena nibbutiṃ yanti
Tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye
These are the Eight Precepts;
virtue is the source of happiness,
virtue is the source of true wealth,
virtue is the source of peacefulness.
Therefore let virtue be purified.
Response: Sādhu, sādhu, sādhu
“It is well said, it is well said, it is well,” (Bow three times.)
The form of the eight precepts rendered here is for the Uposotha (full, new, and quarter lunar cycle) days, however if one wishes to undertake these precepts on a full time basis the third can be rendered as in the five precepts.
A mind subdued by benevolence (abyāpannacitto) is also strongly recommended for lay people and one of the ten skilful actions. This mental cultivation is key to all forms of samana (as opposed to Brahmin), be it a Buddhist; Jain; or other group who fall within the general grouping.
This benevolent mind would be free from stinginess, yet not to the extent where it puts them into difficulties. Also a respectful and supportive attitude – non-envious – is present. This attitude is in general toward one's parents, teachers, spouse, friends, workers and religious guides although not limited to them and especially for ones parents.
A lay-person would also engage in upright means of support. Although what is a considered a good livelihood is not mentioned wrong livelihood is spelled out more specifically to include business in weapons, poisons, meat, intoxicant, & humans. However looking at the monastic form of dissident means of support, which includes scheming, talking, hinting, belittling, pursuing gain with gain, when one of these is predominant (particularly when it breaches the precepts one has taken upon themselves in any way) it could also be considered improper for an occupation for lay people.
As walking the path to freedom is important to the Buddhas teachings - and also a form of showing respect for the teacher – developing discernment regarding the four noble truths is also important for a layperson to develop. This discernment (regarding the Four Noble Truths) informs the practice both inside and outside formal periods of practice.
Suggested Guidelines
The following guidelines are meant as an outline for training as a lay-person and are intended to provide a quick reference to the content of the texts for further study and encouragement to focus on areas of practice in this form.
- Give heightened importance to practice one day a week. This can be on a specific area such as the precepts, a particular meditative practice, or simply extending the duration of meditation for the periods of formal practice.
- Find time for a period of retreat each year. This may include self-retreats, weekends or, longer.
- Spend time in solitude.
- Develop a basic working knowledge of the Teachings.
- Support the Sangha according to your means and abilities. The sangha can be a local group or charity.
- Undertake to live by (at least the minimum standard of) the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.
- Attend meetings/discussions with others interested in the Teachings and Practice of the Dhamma, either at a monastery, on-line or in another setting.
- Practice meditation daily.
- Support and develop a deep respect for those who share the practice in any form. and those who do not no matter what your differences are.
Notes
1 - Here the third precept can be changed to that of the five precepts, if undertaking the eight precepts on a full time basis. As suggested by the Dhammika Sutta.
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