
Refuge and Precepts
Saturday 7:30am
Full Moon Sunday 9:00am
There is an opportunity to take refuge and the 5 or 8 precepts every
Saturday at 7:30 am and during our Full Moon Practice Day at 9:00 am
on the Sunday closest to the full moon. Click for future full moon dates
These ceremonies are not only for those observing 8 precepts as there
is the option to take the 5 precepts instead (what one might call the
minimum requirement or basic moral code for Buddhist laymen and
laywomen). Following the affirmation of taking refuge, the person then
recites the Eight or Five Precepts. The Precepts aren't commandments,
but principles to live by.

"By abstaining from the destruction of life...from taking what is not given...from sexual misconduct...from lying...from alcohol and intoxicants the noble disciple gives to immeasurable beings freedom from fear, hostility and oppression. By giving to immeasurable beings freedom from fear, hostility and oppression, he himself will enjoy immeasurable freedom from fear, hostility and oppression."
- The Buddha in Anguttara Nikaya 8:39
