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 setting, the eight precepts are also referred to as the uposatha vows (Sanskrit and ; , ). Laypeople frequently observe these eight precepts when staying at Buddhist monasteries or participating in meditation retreats; they are also maintained during yearly festivals like Vesak. Today, the uposatha vows are mainly associated with Theravāda Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, though they were widely practiced in China as well.