Five Precepts
In Buddhism, receiving and upholding precepts are very important. A person can choose to receive one precept, two precepts, three precepts, four precepts, or all five precepts at once. The bottom line is: when there is an opportunity to do so, don't miss it.
If someone has a problem with receiving the "Precept of not Killing Beings", then that person can refrain from receiving that precept and peceive the "Precept of not Stealing". If someone likes to drink, then that person can refrain from receiving the "Precept of Prohibiting the Consumption of Intoxicants", but can receive the other four precepts.
People who like to receive precepts must request them from an ordained monk. To transmit precepts means to give the precept substance to the preceptees. The person who transmits the precept substance to you must be a Bhikshu(Male Monk). In the Vinaya, a Bhikshuni(Female Monk) is not permitted to transmit precepts.
The five precepts are the most fundamental rules that Buddhists should follow.
Not killing is to be kind and compassionate,
Not stealing is to be righteous,
Not engaging in sexual misconduct is to be an upright and proper person,
Not lying is to be a loyal and faithful person,
Not taking intoxicants is not to be a reckless person.
Killing brings the retribution of a short life span,
Stealing brings the retribution of a life of poverty and hardship,
Sexual misconduct brings the retribution of being born as pigeons or mandarin ducks.
If we don’t lie in this life, no one will cheat us in future lives.
If we don't drink or take drugs in this life, we will not lose sanity in future lives.
So what are the benefits of receiving the Five Precepts?
Not killing in this life, we will not encounter difficulties in future lives;
Not stealing in this life, we will not be robbed in future lives;
Not engaging in sexual misconduct in this life, we will have good marriages in future lives;
Not lying in this life, we will not be cheated in future lives;
Not drinking in this life, we will not lose sanity in future lives.
It is similar to the Law of Karma or Cause and Effect:
Not caging birds in this life, we will not be put into the jail in future lives;
Not fishing in this life, we will not become beggars in future lives;
People with wrong understanding would say, “Don’t take the precepts. Why get some precepts to restrain you?” That is an incorrect point of view. You may think that not receiving precepts is being free. But it’s very easy to fall into the hells that way. That's what the so-called "true freedom” may lead you to.
If you receive the precepts, you will have the protection of precepts. The precept marks, precept dharma, and precept substance will support you. You will not fall into the hells that easily. If you like to be free and don’t take precepts, then later when you fall into the hells, it's unsure how long does it take before you can come out.
Therefore, it’s good for you to receive the five precepts.