The aim of this practice is to benefit others by overcoming our attachment to pleasures of the senses, pride, greed, and other afflictive thoughts. Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommends taking these precepts on days when the karmic effects of actions are multiplied:
 

1.	Buddha days
2.	8th, 15th, 30th day of the Tibetan month
3.	Solar and lunar eclipses

The Eight Mahayana Precepts are:
 

1.	Refrain from killing living beings, either directly or indirectly
2.	Refrain from stealing and taking things without permission of the owner
3.	Refrain from sexual activity
4.	Refrain from telling lies and deceiving others, either directly or indirectly
5.	Refrain from taking intoxicants, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
6.	Refrain from eating more than one meal on the day the precepts are observed. The meal is to be taken before noon. No eating black foods: meat, eggs, onions, garlic, leeks and radishes. No eating until the following sunrise. At other times of the day, one can drink plain water, diluted milk (milk mixed with water) and fruit juice (without pulps). No other beverages are allowed.
7.	Refrain from sitting on high, expensive bed or seat. No sitting on animal furs.
8.	Refrain from using perfumes, jewellery and make-up. Refrain from merry-making, singing, dancing or playing music.

Find out the benefits of taking the Eight Mahayana Precepts
 

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