Pancasila or pańca-sila is the fundamental code of Buddhist ethics, willingly undertaken by lay followers of Gautama Buddha. The term is Pali for "Five (rules or Precepts of) Virtues" and is pronounced roughly "punchasila".

Taken with these precepts by the laity accompanies taking refuge to the Triple Gem: To the Buddha (teacher), to the Dharma (teaching) and thirdly to the Sangha (taught). Like all aspects of Buddhist dharma or teaching, the Pancasila are regarded as logically rather than supernaturally derived and are to be undertaken voluntarily rather than as "commandments" from a supernatural or mundane authority.

1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicants which lead to carelessness.

See also: Four Noble Truths, Noble Eightfold Path

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