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.

　　很多佛教國家的虔誠信徒，都在每個月圓日(十五)或新月日(初一)，持守八戒(八關齋戒)。這是一個傳統的習俗，信徒們清晨就到廟裏，持守八戒，一直到隔天清晨。八關齋戒日的主要目的是隔離信徒們的物質與家庭生活，體驗聖道的生活，從而獲得正確的心識及精神生活的發展。

　　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.

　　在八關齋戒日裏，信徒們誦經、靜坐、聆聽佛法開示和協助寺院的一切活動。隔天，他們重新持守五戒，回家過他們正常的生活。

　　The Eight Precepts are to abstain from:

　　八戒的內容是：

　　Killing;

　　一、不殺生。

　　Stealing;

　　二、不偷盜。

　　Sexual acts;

　　叁、不邪淫。

　　Lying;

　　四、不妄語。

　　Liquor

　　五、不飲酒。

　　Taking food after the sun had crossed the zenith.

　　六、不非時進食。

　　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、不看戲、不穿華麗的衣服、不塗脂抹粉。

　　八、不坐高廣大床。

　　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義，從而誤解以爲佛教反對唱歌、跳舞、看戲、穿華麗的衣服和塗脂抹粉。佛陀並沒有要求在家信徒戒離這些事情，這些事情的戒離，只是虔誠的弟子在短期內執行而已。他們通過對這些欲樂的戒離，來協助感官的冷靜，即使只是僅僅幾個小時的訓練，也可以使內心不受感官所奴役。這些欲樂只會助長信衆的欲望。有助于提升個人的自製能力，和了解自己的弱點。但總的來說，佛教並不反對這些欲樂。

　　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)能開拓一個人的心識，能利益今世或來世。因此，一個人必須了解持戒的好處，並盡自己所能嚴持戒律。