[Rememavotscam]

Precepts are often viewed as the very foundation of the path. The first steps that must be laid if one is to make any progress in meditation or wisdom. I understand that the precepts are usually received already set in stone as it were, but I think each of us has the choice of what precepts we will follow. It is generally accepted that the minimum number of precepts one can have and claim to be a Buddhist is the five:

1) I vow not to kill.
2) I vow not to steal.
3) I vow not to engage in sexual misconduct.
4) I vow not to lie.
5) I vow not to use intoxicants.

I have been formulating a set of precepts for my practice and am curious what precepts others have chosen and to what extent they are kept?

The twenty five precepts I have chosen so far are:

01) I take refuge in awakening (Buddha).
02) I take refuge in Dharma.
03) I take refuge in universal brotherhood (sangha).
04) I vow to abandon harmfulness.
05) I vow to cultivate well being.
06) I vow to help others in need.
07) I vow to cultivate parental mind.
08) I vow to cultivate Joyful mind.
09) I vow to cultivate magnanimous mind.
10) I vow to cultivate solitude.
11) I vow to be content with any dwelling.
12) I vow to be content with any clothing.
13) I vow to be content with any food.
14) I vow not to eat after mid-day.
15) I vow not to kill.
16) I vow not to steal.
17) I vow not to engage in sexual misconduct.
18) I vow not to lie.
19) I vow not to use intoxicants.
20) I vow not to criticize others.
21) I vow not to praise self.
22) I vow not to give way to greed.
23) I vow not to give way to anger.
24) I vow not to give way to delusion.
25) I vow not to defile the three treasures.

I recite these precepts every morning upon arising and every evening before bed. I do my very best to let them guide me throughout each and every day.

I look forward to learning how others practice the precepts.