The precepts are both spiritual and physical training, a routine designed to build the foundation for the concentration of Buddhist meditation (dhyana; in Chinese, ch’an, in Japanese, zen). The body and mind must be conditioned in order to achieve the concentration of meditation. The physical regimen aims to assure general health and freedom from the pains and discomfort of illness and to ensure that daily requirements of food, exercise, and rest are met.
Basic Buddhist Concepts