Skip to content
    Religious Studies GCSE

    The Five Moral Precepts

    What The Five Moral Precepts means in Religious Studies GCSE, as defined for AQA.

    Definitions of The Five Moral Precepts

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain The Five Moral Precepts in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    Voluntary training rules that Buddhists undertake to aid their spiritual development, the fifth of which instructs abstaining from intoxicants that cloud the mind.
    AQA · Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (study guide)
    Voluntary training rules observed by Buddhists, including abstaining from taking life, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicants.
    AQA · Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (study guide)
    The fourth of these requires followers to abstain from speaking falsehoods, a specific training rule undertaken voluntarily.
    AQA · Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (study guide)
    Voluntary training rules, not strict commandments, designed to cultivate compassion and loving-kindness.
    AQA · Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (study guide)
    The precept 'do not take what is not given' is the second of these in Buddhism.
    AQA · Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (study guide)
    The precept 'do not misuse the senses' is the third of these.
    AQA · Buddhism - 3.1.1.2 Practices (study guide)

    Topics that use The Five Moral Precepts

    Related terms

    Using The Five Moral Precepts in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Religious Studies questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Religious Studies GCSE terms