upsakas

Upsakas, or upāsakas in Sanskrit and Pali, are lay Buddhist followers who commit themselves to the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—and to a basic set of ethical guidelines. The term denotes a lay devotee rather than a monk or nun. Female lay followers are commonly known as upāsikā (plural upāsikās).

In the standard practice, upāsakas observe the Five Precepts: refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication. On Uposatha days or during longer retreats, many take on additional precepts, often referred to as eight or ten precepts, to deepen their discipline and focus.

Upsakas play a supporting and learning role within the Buddhist community. They provide material support to monastic communities, participate in temple rituals, and study the Dharma alongside monks and nuns. While some may pursue higher spiritual goals that could lead to ordination, most remain lay followers who integrate Buddhist ethics and practice into daily life.

Across Theravada and Mahayana traditions, the status and duties of upāsakas are recognized, with regional variations in vows and roles. The term can also appear in broader Hindu or Jain contexts as a designation for lay worshippers or devotees who regularly engage in ritual life. Today, upāsakas are active in temples, meditation centers, and online communities worldwide, contributing to both practice and transmission of Buddhist teachings.