(1) Abandoning the taking of life, refraining from taking life, without stick or sword, diligent, compassionate, trembling for the welfare of all living beings.

(2) Abandoning the taking of what is not given, living purely, accepting what is given, awaiting what is given, without stealing.

(3) Abandoning un-chastity. Abandoning sexual relations with women [men] who are protected by their mother, father, mother and father, brother, sister, or relatives; who are protected by their Teachings; who have a husband [wife or partner]; whose violation entails a penalty; or even with one who has been garlanded by a man [woman] as a sign of engagement.

(4) Abandoning false speech, refraining from false speech, a truth-speaker, one to be relied on, trustworthy, dependable, not a deceiver of the world.

(5) Refraining from strong drink and sloth-producing drugs (substances that cause heedlessness), the basis for heedlessness.

(Reference: DN 1)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares The Five Precepts providing basic guidance to significantly reduce unwholesome outcomes or results in our life (i.e. unwholesome Kamma).

Gotama Buddha gave us guidance to conduct life without harm to other beings or ourselves. In his Teaching titled “The Five Precepts”, he provides some basic guidance that when learned and practiced, will significantly reduce the harm you are causing in the world.

These are not commandments nor rules to follow, rather how to ensure you are not causing harm to others or yourself. By causing harm to others, we cause harm to ourselves by The Natural Law of Kamma. Through practice of these precepts, you will drastically eliminate unwholesome Kamma production and, thus, experience a more peaceful and content existence.