What are the Buddhist wedding vows?

Answer 1

The Five Precepts The five precepts are not given in the form of commands such as "thou shalt not ...", but are training rules in order to live a better life in which one is happy, without worries, and can meditate well. # To refrain from taking life. # To refrain from taking that which is not freely given (stealing). # To refrain from sexual misconduct (improper sexual behavior). # To refrain from lying and deceiving. # To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness. The Eight Precepts A higher precepts than five precepts, eight precepts specifies in providing atmosphere for meditating by practicing celibacy and avoiding all other entertainments. In the eight precepts, the third precept on sexual misconduct is made more strict, and becomes a precept of celibacy. The three additional rules of the eight precepts are: # To refrain from eating at the wrong time (by only eat from sunrise to noon, it ensures that all food eaten that day is digested; thus no night time activities). # To refrain from all entertainments and decorations; ie. dancing, using jewelry, watching movies, going to shows, etc. Especially those entertainments that bring the viewer's mind to sexual scenes. # To refrain from using a high, luxurious bed. These beds indicates softness, comfortable, and sleepiness of the sleeper. The Ten Precepts (Pali: dasasila or samanerasikkha) are the precepts or training-rules for samaneras (male) and samaneris (female), also referred to as novice monks or nuns. They are used in most Buddhist schools. The ten precepts are: # Refrain from killing living things. # Refrain from stealing. # Refrain from un-chastity (sensuality, sexuality, lust). # Refrain from lying. # Refrain from taking intoxicants. # Refrain from taking food at inappropriate times (outside of usual meals). # Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending entertainment programs (performances). # Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and garland (decorative accessories). # Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds. # Refrain from accepting money. == ==

Answer 2

The Buddha did not establish any particular wedding vows or ceremonies, he just accepted the existing ones as being valid. So they vary from country to country and denomination to denomination.

It may be surprising to find out that many traditional Buddhist wedding ceremonies do not contain any vows. In the Western view, a marriage is something you take upon yourself. In some other cultures, marriages are arranged by the families and there are no vows in the ceremony.