- Published on
A new study reveals that people who live by the Five Precepts of Buddhism find that their depression eases significantly. The Five Precepts are: to abstain from taking life; to abstain from stealing and taking what is not freely given; to abstain from sexual misconduct; to abstain from lying and false speech; and to abstain from consuming intoxicants that can cloud the mind.
This study involved nearly 700 people, most of whom were women living alone. The research was reported in PLOS, a peer reviewed scientific journal published by the U.S.-based nonprofit Public Library of Science, revealing that living out the Five Precepts promoted mental and emotional well-being.
“Observing the Five Precepts offers evidence that it buffers the effect of perceived stress on depression. People with high levels of observing the Five Precepts are less likely to develop depressive symptoms,” the authors stated in their conclusion.
-Victor M Parachin, "Dealing with Depression the Buddhist Way," Spirituality & Health