On a daily basis Buddhist are expected to obey the Five Precepts. These are:

• Do not kill
• Do not steal
• Do not indulge in sexual misconduct
• Do not make false speech
• Do not take intoxicants

On special occasions (such as Visakha Puja Day) Buddhist are expected to obey the Eight Precepts. These are:

• I undertake to abstain from taking life (both human and non-human).
• I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (stealing).
• I undertake to abstain from all sexual activity.
• I undertake to abstain from telling lies.
• I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
• I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is eating once, after sunrise, before noon).
• I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
• I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping.