In Theravada Buddhist formulation of the way to nibbana, three stages are
recognized: morality (sila), concentration of mind (samadhi) and liberating knowledge
(panña). The practice of morality consists of the observance of all moral precepts with
purity of intention and feeling of fear, shame and remorse at the smallest violation of any
of them. The Buddhist precepts are perceived as a means to develop moral character and
practice through the control of mind, sense-organs and bodily conduct. There are five
precepts incumbent on all Buddhist lay people, eight on those who are more severe, ten
on novices and two hundred and twenty-seven on monks. The five precepts which forbid
to kill, steal, commit adultery, lie and take intoxicating beverages are moral precepts,
whereas the eight and ten are more religious vows, and the rest are rules and regulations
for monks to follow. The Buddha was aware of the burdens borne by a layman with a
wife and children, hence he did not expect from him the same ethical conduct as he did
from the monks. But he emphatically stressed that the layman should strive hard to
observe at least the five precepts, the minimum moral obligation of the ordinary person,
to ensure peace and harmony in society. The observance of the three additional precepts
(abstaining from sex, taking meals after the noon time, wearing bodily ornaments, using
perfumes or ointment, dancing, singing, playing music, or seeing shows, and from using