The Importance of Upholding the Precepts

Some of us might be inclined to treat the precepts as not so important to practice, perhaps even telling ourselves that morality and standards are just empty. What that looks like in practice is going to vary from person to person and situation to situation. We won't all have the same interpretation of a given precept and how we understand them in one circumstance might change in another. They're shaped by causes and conditions, just like we are. The spirit of upholding the precepts is just to aspire to move through this world the best that we can without causing unnecessary harm or pain.