~The five precepts

The five precepts guide us to live well, with gentle respect for ourselves and for others, whether the spiritual life is young and fragile or mature and sturdy.

A literal translation of the precepts is

~I take upon myself the path of learning to refrain from harming living beings.
~I take upon myself the path of learning to refrain from taking what is not given.
~I take upon myself the path of learning to refrain from misusing sensual pleasure.
~I take upon myself the path of learning to refrain from speaking carelessly, wrongly or harmfully.
~I take upon myself the path of learning to refrain from the state of carelessness and indolence caused by alcohol and drugs.

In addition to letting go of harmful tendencies, the precepts can also inspire us to cultivate beneficial qualities

~Protectiveness of all living beings
~Generosity of heart, mind and action
~Gentle wakefulness in sensual and sexual life
~Skilful, kind speech
~Clear, alert states of mind