八戒：

Eight Precepts

In many Buddhist countries, it is customary among the devotees to observe the Eight Precepts on certain days of the month, such as the full moon and new moon days. These devotees will come to the temple early in the morning and spend twenty-four hours in the temple, observing the precepts. By observing the Eight Precepts, they cut themselves off from their daily life which is bombarded with material and sensual demands. The purpose of observing the Eight Precepts is to develop relaxation and tranquillity, to train the mind, and to develop oneself spiritually.

很多佛教国家的虔诚信徒，都在每个月圆日(十五)或新月日(初一)，持守八戒(八关斋戒)。这是一个传统的习俗，信徒们清晨就到庙里，持守八戒，一直到隔天清晨。八关斋戒日的主要目的是隔离信徒们的物质与家庭生活，体验圣道的生活，从而获得正确的心识及精神生活的发展。

During this period of observing the precepts, they spend their time reading religious books, listening to the Teachings of the Buddha, meditating, and also helping with the religious activities of the temple. The following morning, they change from Eight Precepts to the Five Precepts intended for daily observance, and return home to resume their normal life.

在八关斋戒日里，信徒们诵经、静坐、聆听佛法开示和协助寺院的一切活动。隔天，他们重新持守五戒，回家过他们正常的生活。

The Eight Precepts are to abstain from:

八戒的内容是：

Killing;

一、不杀生。

Stealing;

二、不偷盗。

Sexual acts;

三、不邪淫。

Lying;

四、不妄语。

Liquor

五、不饮酒。

Taking food after the sun had crossed the zenith.

六、不非时进食。

Dancing, singing, music, unseemly shows, the use of garlands, perfumes, unguents and things that tend to beautify and adorn the person, and

Using high and luxurious seats.

七、不跳舞、不唱歌、不看戏、不穿华丽的衣服、不涂脂抹粉。

八、不坐高广大床。

Some people find it hard to understand the significance of a few of these precepts. They think that Buddhists are against dancing, singing, music, the cinema, perfume, ornaments and luxurious things. There is no rule in Buddhism that states that every lay Buddhist must abstain from these things. The people who choose to abstain from these entertainments are devout Buddhists who observe these precepts only for a short period as a way of self discipline. The reason for keeping away from these entertainments and ornamentations is to calm down the senses even for a few hours and to train the mind so as not to be enslaved to sensual pleasures. These entertainments increase the passions of the mind and arouse emotions which hinder a person's spiritual development. By occasionally restraining himself from these entertainments, a person will make progress towards overcoming his weaknesses and exercise greater control over himself. However, Buddhists do not condemn these entertainments.

很多人不了解八戒的真正意义，从而误解以为佛教反对唱歌、跳舞、看戏、穿华丽的衣服和涂脂抹粉。佛陀并没有要求在家信徒戒离这些事情，这些事情的戒离，只是虔诚的弟子在短期内执行而已。他们通过对这些欲乐的戒离，来协助感官的冷静，即使只是仅仅几个小时的训练，也可以使内心不受感官所奴役。这些欲乐只会助长信众的欲望。有助于提升个人的自制能力，和了解自己的弱点。但总的来说，佛教并不反对这些欲乐。

Observance of precepts (both the Five and Eight precepts) when performed with an earnest mind is certainly a meritorious act. It brings great benefits to this life and the lives hereafter. Therefore, a person should try his best to observe the precepts with understanding and as often as he can.

持戒(五戒或八戒)能开拓一个人的心识，能利益今世或来世。因此，一个人必须了解持戒的好处，并尽自己所能严持戒律。