Why observe 8 Precepts on 1st & 15th of lunar month?

Dharmasharer SG

A question to seek your advice:

Did the Buddha encourage observation of the 8 precepts on the 1st & 15th of lunar month in any sutra? Is there any special rationale for these days?

Thank you in advance!

Dawnfirstlight SG

Not that I know of, not on 1st and 15th of the month but the 8 precepts are usually observed on the 六斋日. Read the below.

一般来说，八关斋戒受持的时间是一日一夜，藏地也有大的八关斋戒，两日两夜只食一斋的。八关斋戒一般都在每月六斋日受持，即农历每月初八、十四、十五、甘三、廿九、三十日﹝如逢小月，可改为落廿八、廿九日﹞。这是根据《优婆夷堕舍迦经》说：佛陀为顾虑在家信众为经营家计，不能日日受持八戒，因此有每月六斋日受持八斋戒的制定。

Dharmasharer SG

Thanks for the reference. How then, did the custom of observing 8 precepts and going vegetarian on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month arise? This seems more popular than the 六斋日 system?

Dawnfirstlight SG

Thanks for the reference. How then, did the custom of observing 8 precepts and going vegetarian on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month arise? This seems more popular than the 六斋日 system?

I'm not very sure. May be it is originated from Taoism. May be other forummers can help to answer.

2009novice SG

I'm not very sure. May be it is originated from Taoism. May be other forummers can help to answer.

erm i also thought it's a buddhist-taoist thingy too...

StriveOn SG

I dont think Buddha encourages following the precepts on the 1st and 15th.

He expects you to follow the precepts everyday. 1st and 15th are man-made points in time.Frankly I think we are just deluding ourselves.

BUT, for those who cannot follow the precepts everyday, at least twice a month is better than none.