The Eight Precepts should be observed by all 'full-time' Buddhist monastics and by laypeople when on meditation retreat or on Uposatha (lunar observance) days. The Eight Precepts include the Five Precepts, with an alteration to the wording of the third precept; this time the intention is to abstain from any kind of erotic activity. The additional rules are helpful to those trying to focus effort on meditation practice; particularly when on retreat in a monastic environment.

(The Pali formula follows the English in italics)

1. I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
   Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
   Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
   Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
4. I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
   Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
5. I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
   Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
6. I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time.
   Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
7. I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
   Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
8. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
   Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami