every precept u take, there are 5 护法 protect u ....
if u take all the 5 precept there is 25 dharma protector protect u ...
to take precept is easy but to maintain n do it mindfully is difficult ....
for eg, abstain from lying ..... actually do u know that everyday we are lying ???  just that we dont notice it ...
same for the mantra, if u recite a mantra there are many 天龙八部 protect u ...
why ? ... cos most of the 天龙八部 they also practice the same mantra, so when u recite n they heard u , then u already "orang kita"   
deswai mantra is very powerful, especially "om mani padme hum"  ....

Take 5 la, minimum if u want to become human / deva next life.

No 5 precepts , danger in this life and next

take which ever you think you can...

Traditionally, the laity request the precepts from the Monk and the recite the 5 precepts in Pali language.

Actually you can practice or undertake the precepts without recitations in front of monks which is more of traditions. Just resolve that mentally to undertake the precepts. Practice progress gradually.