To be ashamed of what one ought to be ashamed, to be ashamed performing evil and unwholesome things; this is called moral shame. To be in dread of what one ought to be in dread, to of unwholesome things: this be in dread of performing evil and is called moral dread. And again: "Two lucid things, oh mon protect the world, moralshame moral dread. if these two things were not to the world, then one would respect neither mother, nor a one's brothers wife nor one's one's one's mother's sist nor teachers wife. Moral shame and moral dread are called in Pali 'Hiri-Ottappa n becoming a Buddhist, or affirming one's commitment to Buddhism, a layperson is encouraged to vow to abstain from specified negative actions, Always remember that the 5 precepts are training rules that laypeople undertake voluntarily to facilitate practice. In Buddhist thought, the cultivation of generosity (Dana) and ethical conduct will themselves refine consciousness to such a level that rebirth in one of the lower hells is unlikely, even if there is no further Buddhist practice. There is nothing improper or un-Buddhist about limiting one's aims to this level of attainment The Buddha provided some basic guidelines for acceptable behavior that are also part of the Noble Eightfold Path. The initial precept is non-injury or non-violence to all living creatures from the lowest insect to humans. This precept defines a non-violent attitude toward every living thing. This Buddhist non-violence suggests an intimate involvement with, and relationship to, all living things. The 5 moral precepts for lay people are, which you probably know already living beings not just humans. All be have a right to their lives and that right should be respected. 2) To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. This precept goes further than mere stealing One should avoid taking anything unless one can be sure that is intended that it isfor you 3) To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure, such as habitual greed and over eating, as well s misconduct of a sexual nature. 4) To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. As well asavoiding lying and deceiving, this precept covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others. 5) To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. This precept is in a special category as it does not infer any intrinsic evil in, say, alcohol itself but indulgence in such a substance could be the cause of breaking the other four precepts. Keeping these s precepts helps one develop right concentration. tf one's mind is filled with guilt, remorse, shame, anger, greed and delusion it will be impossible to concentrate and so one will not be able to develop right mindfulness which is the precondition-the necessary state of mind-for developing right mindfulness. This part of the Noble 8 Fold Path is essential fo the development of wisdom. And the more wisdom we acquire, the more subtle our understanding of the s precepts becomes. You probably know that the 4 Noble truths are the corner stone of the Buddha's realisations which formed the basis ofthe Buddha's enlightenment. The Noble8 Fold Path is made up of3 sections, these are Morality (sila), Right concentration (samadhi) and wisdom (Panna The morality, or ethics, factor of the path is divided into 3 sections. Right speech, Right Actio and Right Livelihood. R Speech is saying things that are helpful and beneficial to other people. And should be motivated by compassion and loving kindness. So insulting others, no gossiping about others, or unnecessary talk, but rather speech that is helpful and sympathetic to the needs The second is Rieht action; this means dolng things that are of benefit to others, to your family and your community so no going around punching others on the n or insulting them. And finally, Right uvelihood