In that context, the eight precepts are also called the uposatha vows (Sanskrit and ; , ). When laypeople stay in a Buddhist monastery or go on a meditation retreat, they also observe the eight precepts often; they are also upheld during yearly festivals such as Vesak. Presently, the uposatha vows are mostly associated with Theravāda Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, but it was a widespread practice in China as well, and is still practiced.
In this context, the eight precepts are also known as the uposatha vows (Sanskrit and ; , ). When laypeople stay at Buddhist monasteries or engage in meditation retreats, they often observe these eight precepts; these vows are maintained during yearly festivals such as Vesak. Currently, the uposatha vows are primarily associated with Theravāda Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, but they were widely practiced in China as well.