During any 24-hour period, and especially on significant days (such as those between May 20 and June 19, in the month of Saga Dawa), we can accumulate great merit by taking the eight Mahayana lay ordination vows.
From now until tomorrow at this very same time,
I will not kill sentient beings,
I will not take what is not freely given,
I will avoid all sexual activity,
I will not lie or use facts to offend or injure others,
I will completely abandon intoxicants,
I will not use high and luxurious beds and seats, nor use perfume and ornaments,
I will not eat in excess or at wrong times,
and I will not participate in frivolous entertainments.
