I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life.
I will respect all living beings.
The pali word pāṇa means “that which breathes.” A living being is one that has breath and has consciousness. Hence it is not only a human being but also includes animals and insects as well, excluding plants as they do not have consciousness. This precept prohibits the killing of living beings. In broader terms, it should also be understood to prohibit injuring, maiming, and torturing a living being.