2. In my opinion, people practice the five or eight precepts to purify their minds and actions. As a monk, I also practice the precepts similar to the five precepts, and it helps me maintain a sense of mindfulness and moral integrity. I do this sincerely to ensure that my actions are aligned with the Buddha's teachings.

3. To follow the Buddha’s teachings, I try to practice mindfulness, show kindness to others, and sometimes engage in regular rituals such as meditation. These practices make me feel more peaceful. Additionally, during certain ceremonies, I participate intently in the important events.

Participate in candlelight processions around the temple.

Perform acts of kindness and generosity, such as giving to charity.

Following these teachings makes me feel more at peace, less attached to material things, and more connected to others. It also helps me handle stress and difficulties with more patience and wisdom.

1. What do you usually practice on Visākha-Pūjā Day?

On Visākha-Pūjā Day, I lead devotees in offering flowers, candles, and incense to pay homage to the Buddha. I conduct Dhamma talks to share the Buddha’s teachings and guide the lay community in chanting and meditation.

2. Why do you think people observe the five or eight precepts? Have you ever practiced them?

People observe the five or eight precepts to cultivate a life of virtue and peace. The five precepts help laypeople live with kindness, truthfulness, and self-discipline, bringing harmony to society. The eight precepts, observed on Uposatha days, encourage simplicity, restraint, and inner reflection. As a monk, I need to follow the Vinaya discipline, which contains many precepts, guiding me to live a life of purity, mindfulness, and compassion.

3. What do you do to follow the Buddha's teachings? How does it make you feel?

I practice the Noble Eightfold Path—right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. I regularly study and teach the Dhamma, lead meditation sessions, and guide devotees to practice generosity (dāna), morality (sīla), and meditation (bhāvanā). Living according to the Buddha’s teachings brings me peace, joy, and wisdom.

Listen to Dhamma talks and chant Buddhist scriptures.

Meditate to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.

Participate in candlelight processions around the temple.

Perform acts of kindness and generosity, such as giving to charity.

The Eight Precepts are often practiced on special Buddhist days to deepen spiritual practice.

Reflect on impermanence and cultivate gratitude.

Following these teachings makes me feel more at peace, less attached to material things, and more connected to others. It also helps me handle stress and difficulties with more patience and wisdom.

For monks

Monks follow their daily monastic routine according to the Vinaya (monastic code), which includes chanting, morning and evening prayers, listening to Dhamma talks, and leading laypeople in candlelight processions (Wien Tien) at the temple. Additionally, they may give Dhamma teachings to help laypeople better understand the Buddha’s teachings.

For laypeople

Many people visit temples to make merit, offer alms, listen to Dhamma talks, and participate in the Wien Tien ceremony in the evening. Some may also take this opportunity to observe the Five or Eight Precepts, meditate, and practice mindfulness to cultivate inner peace.

Why do people observe the Five or Eight Precepts? Have you ever practiced them?

For monks

Monks observe 227 precepts as part of their monastic discipline, following the rules set in the Vinaya Pitaka. These precepts help them maintain mindfulness, self-restraint, and a life free from distractions and attachments.

For laypeople

Laypeople typically observe the Five Precepts, which promote ethical conduct by abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. Some choose to observe the Eight Precepts, especially on religious occasions or meditation retreats, to further discipline their minds and detach from worldly pleasures. Personally, I practice the Five Precepts regularly, and I have tried the Eight Precepts during meditation retreats. It was a valuable experience that helped me develop greater mindfulness and inner peace.

What do you do to follow the Buddha’s teachings? How does it make you feel?

For monks

Monks follow the Buddha’s teachings by studying Dhamma, practicing meditation, cultivating mindfulness, and spreading the teachings to laypeople. By living in accordance with the monastic discipline, they serve as role models and help guide others toward a path of wisdom and peace. This way of life allows them to maintain a calm mind, free from worldly attachments.

For laypeople

In daily life, laypeople can follow the Buddha’s teachings by practicing mindfulness, being patient, showing kindness, avoiding negative speech, and making merit whenever possible. Meditation and chanting are also ways to deepen spiritual practice. Personally, practicing these teachings helps me feel more peaceful, less stressed, and more present in the moment.

2. The Five Precepts and the Eight Precepts** are the basic precepts of Buddhist practice, which aim to help people cultivate morality, purify the mind, and gradually eliminate worries and suffering.

3. Many people choose to follow the Five Precepts (not killing, not stealing, not committing adultery, not lying, and not drinking alcohol) or the Eight Precepts (adding non-timely eating, not singing and dancing for entertainment, and not sitting on a high and broad bed) based on their stage of practice.

To follow Buddha's teachings, i will practice mindfulness in daily life and cultivate compassion. Mindfulness brings peace by reducing distractions. Compassion - driven actions like helping others give a sense of fulfillment, making life more meaningful.

On Visākha-Pūjā Day, I usually engage in activities that honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. This includes visiting the temple to offer flowers, incense, and candles, participating in meditation sessions, and listening to Dhamma talks. I also try to observe the five or eight precepts on this day to cultivate mindfulness and moral discipline. Additionally, I may engage in acts of generosity, such as donating to the temple or helping those in need, as a way to practice the Buddha's teachings on compassion and kindness.

2. Why do you think people observe the five or eight precepts? Have you ever practiced them?

People observe the five or eight precepts to cultivate moral discipline, purify their minds, and develop a deeper connection to the Dhamma. The precepts help individuals avoid harmful actions and promote positive behavior, which is essential for spiritual growth. By observing these precepts, people can reduce suffering and create the conditions for peace and happiness in their lives.

Yes, I have practiced the five precepts on several occasions, especially during Buddhist holidays or meditation retreats. Observing the precepts helps me feel more mindful and grounded, and it reminds me to live in accordance with the Buddha's teachings.

3. What do you do to follow the Buddha’s teachings? How does it make you feel?

To follow the Buddha’s teachings, I try to incorporate the principles of the Noble Eightfold Path into my daily life. This includes practicing mindfulness through meditation, cultivating kindness and compassion towards others, and striving to live ethically by observing the five precepts. I also make an effort to study the Dhamma regularly to deepen my understanding of the teachings.

Following the Buddha’s teachings makes me feel more peaceful, content, and connected to others. It helps me develop a sense of inner clarity and resilience, even in challenging situations. By practicing mindfulness and compassion, I feel more aligned with the values of wisdom and kindness, which brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to my life.