The First Precept

• "I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures" is similar to one of the Ten Commandments that reads "Thou shalt not kill." There are various interpretations for the Zen Buddhist version, ranging from opposition to the direct killing a creature to that of encouraging the killing of a creature by doing business with a butcher or purchasing fur.
  
  

The Second Precept

• "I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given" also can be compared to the Ten Commandments. It has multiple interpretations, as well. The obvious instruction is not to steal, but there are more subtle implications within the wording in its various translations. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist, interprets it to mean that one should not profit in any way at the expense of others.
  
  

The Third Precept

• "I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct" is one of the more controversial precepts, as it is somewhat vague, and there is no clarification of "sexual misconduct." While obvious that this precept forbids rape, some Buddhists also have taken it to mean that sex before marriage is forbidden. Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that it means one should actively protect vulnerable people and act against others who might harm them.
  
  

The Fourth Precept

• "I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech" also has been translated as meaning "To abstain from false speech," but neither are particularly definitive about what false or incorrect speech is. While lying is an obvious one, the precent also could mean not to speak in any way that could take advantage of someone. It can include any speech that may harm someone, such as derogatory comments or insults.
  
  

The Fifth Precept

• "I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness" is perhaps the most clear of the precepts. Even so, Thich Nhat Hanh in his series of "Mindfulness trainings," which are his interpretations of the precepts, has added on to this precept. He includes television shows that encourage harmful behavior as a harmful intoxicant. He also includes diet as part of this precept.