Learning to practice mindfulness meditation and experiencing the teachings of the Buddha is very valuable because it helps you to become a better person. Practicing meditation will help you to train your mind to become concentrated and calm. This will make your mind strong so that you will be able to avoid doing or saying things that are hurtful or harmful to yourself and to others. This strength of mind will help you to feel happier and more peaceful. Practicing mindfulness meditation and learning to concentrate will help you to become the master of your mind.

Beginning of the class sessions at the course you will be asked to repeat the following five vows or precepts. These are written in bold and underneath each is an explanation. Please read them carefully so that you will understand what you are saying when the time comes:

▶️ I shall abstain from killing.
  I promise to try to treat all beings kindly and not kill them or harm them in any way.

▶️ I shall abstain from stealing.
  I promise to take only what is given to me and not take anything which belongs to others without permission.

▶️ I shall abstain from a life of misconduct.
  I promise to treat other boys and girls as if they were my brothers or sisters or best friends.

▶️ I shall abstain from speaking lies, harsh words, backbiting, etc. which will harm others.
  I promise to speak truthfully, kindly, and gently, and not to tell lies or to say hurtful things to anybody or about anybody.

▶️ I shall abstain from taking any intoxicant.
  I promise not to take any alcohol, drugs, or intoxicants, but to keep my mind clear.