A new book takes a fresh look at Buddhism's five precepts as a guide to modern life

Living by the principle "other people are doing it, so it must be okay" can lead to social meltdown if it goes unchecked. So says Acharawadee Wongsakon, jewellery designer, filmmaker, author and vipassana-meditation practitioner.

"We're facing so many problems - corruption, promiscuity, lying and alcohol addiction," says Acharawadee, explaining why she wrote the recently launched book "Me Sila ... Kon Ja Sai", or "Code of Conduct" (the title's literal translation is "Holding the Buddhist Five Precepts … Before It's Too Late").

"The Sila codes provide standards for living, but they're too often ignored by people. They become merely something to recite in school," the author adds.

Targeting non-temple-going Thais, the book explores the basic Buddhist code of conduct - to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxication. The code raises important questions for Acharawadee, like "Is it a sin to be a carnivore?", "Is not doing your duty considered breaking the code?", and "Is it a sin to lay off staff?"

The author admits that she herself has had difficulties sticking to the precepts, even after eight years of vipassana practice. She still indulges in seafood and the occasional glass of wine, as well as squishing mosquitoes and telling the odd white lie. But she's come to the conclusion that for the average person, keeping to the spirit of the precepts is what counts.

For Acharawadee, the second precept - to abstain from stealing - is especially important for businesspeople. "It's not just referring to objects; it also means not stealing other's opportunities - for instance, selling medicines at the kind of prices that most patients cannot afford.

"From my experience," she adds, "it is Sila that gives positive energy to life. Holding the precepts removes obstacles to your success, because you don't have bad karma dragging you down."

An optimist, Acharawadee encourages anyone who's done wrong to make up for their past misdeeds, and quickly. "As long as you are breathing, it's not too late. Make the most of the rest of your days by stepping into the light."