The practice of taking and keeping the eight Mahayana precepts is a special practice of moral discipline that is performed with compassion for all living beings. The essence of the practice is to take eight precepts — promising to abstain for 24 hours from eight actions: (1) killing, (2) stealing, (3) sexual activity, (4) lying, (5) taking intoxicants, (6) eating after lunch, (7) sitting on high or luxurious thrones or seats, and (8) wearing ornaments, perfume, singing and dancing and so forth – and to keep them purely for this period of time. This practice is performed monthly at Kadampa Buddhist Centers worldwide on the 15th of each month.