Sila
Encyclopedia
Śīla or sīla (Pāli
) in Buddhism
and its non-sectarian offshoots, is a code of conduct that embraces self-restraint with a value on non-harming. It has been variously described as virtue, good conduct, morality, moral discipline and precept. It is an action that is an intentional effort. It is one of the three practices
— sīla, samādhi and paññā and the second pāramitā
. It is moral purity of thought, word, and deed. Sīla is overall (principles of) ethical behavior.
cognate avihiṃsā, is not a technical term in the Buddhist tradition, rather a permeating foundation for the code of conduct known as Sila. Non-harming manifests perspectives both absolute and relative, particularly in the ever-increasingly complex ethics of global culture. For example, though eating meat/animal products is technically different than killing for the meat, if one knows that such foods comes from inhumane industrialized animal husbandry then one may understand one's Sila to present new ethical questions.
Notions of proper conduct and misconduct may be culturally bound and differ from east to west, introducing various gray areas as yet to be acknowledged or fully understood in the modern context of Sila. For example, there are committed sexual relationships that are technically unmarried, and married sexual relationships where there is misconduct (compulsive sexual behavior). In addition, proper sexual conduct in the eastern tradition aspires towards self-restraint and rechanneling of sexual energy into the higher creative centers of being. Whereas in the west, questioning and re-defining compulsive sexual behavior (of both singles and marrieds) is as yet uncommon.
In addition to the primary concern of Sila as protecting a foundation for meditative progress and enlightenment, perceptions of what is non-harming and harmful may vary according to the sexes. A male may define sincere and consensual holy passion as merely non-harming, however a female, being at risk for emotional abandonment and/or unexpected pregnancy, may define non-harming quite differently, which is why the eastern tradition has had a longstanding code of marriage tradition whereby matchmaking occurs first and sexual behavior second.
Proper Sila in a modern global culture context with changing notions of what is non-harming is a topic of visionary inquiry and dialogue.
or patimokkha
. Laypeople generally undertake to live by the five precepts which are common to all Buddhist schools. If they wish, they can choose to undertake the eight precepts, which have some additional precepts of basic asceticism.
In Buddhist thought, the cultivation of giving
(dāna) and ethical conduct will themselves refine consciousness to such a level that rebirth in one of the lower heavens is likely, even if there is no further Buddhist practice. There is nothing improper or un-Buddhist about limiting one's aims to this level of attainment, although by itself it does not gain one nirvāna
or end suffering.
The three additional rules of the Eight Precepts are:
use the ten precepts, which are the basic precepts for monastics: people who have left the domestic life and live in monasteries.
is the specific moral code for nuns and monks . It includes the patimokkha
, a set of rules (227 for monks in the Theravādin recension). The precise content of the scriptures on vinaya (vinayapiṭaka) differ slightly according to different schools, and different schools or subschools set different standards for the degree of adherence to the vinaya.
Buddhism, there is also a distinctive vinaya and ethics for bodhisattvas contained within the Mahāyāna Brahmajala Sutra (not to be confused with the Pāli text of that name). These exist above and beyond the existing monastic code, or lay follower precepts. Here the eating of meat, for example, is frowned upon and vegetarianism is actively encouraged (See: vegetarianism in Buddhism
). These precepts, have no parallel in Theravāda
Buddhism.
Páli
- External links :* *...
) in Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
and its non-sectarian offshoots, is a code of conduct that embraces self-restraint with a value on non-harming. It has been variously described as virtue, good conduct, morality, moral discipline and precept. It is an action that is an intentional effort. It is one of the three practices
Threefold Training
The Buddha identified the threefold training as training in:* higher virtue * higher mind * higher wisdom - In the Pali Canon :...
— sīla, samādhi and paññā and the second pāramitā
Paramita
Pāramitā or pāramī is "perfection" or "completeness." In Buddhism, the pāramitās refer to the perfection or culmination of certain virtues...
. It is moral purity of thought, word, and deed. Sīla is overall (principles of) ethical behavior.
Non-Harming
Non-harming, PāliPáli
- External links :* *...
cognate avihiṃsā, is not a technical term in the Buddhist tradition, rather a permeating foundation for the code of conduct known as Sila. Non-harming manifests perspectives both absolute and relative, particularly in the ever-increasingly complex ethics of global culture. For example, though eating meat/animal products is technically different than killing for the meat, if one knows that such foods comes from inhumane industrialized animal husbandry then one may understand one's Sila to present new ethical questions.
Notions of proper conduct and misconduct may be culturally bound and differ from east to west, introducing various gray areas as yet to be acknowledged or fully understood in the modern context of Sila. For example, there are committed sexual relationships that are technically unmarried, and married sexual relationships where there is misconduct (compulsive sexual behavior). In addition, proper sexual conduct in the eastern tradition aspires towards self-restraint and rechanneling of sexual energy into the higher creative centers of being. Whereas in the west, questioning and re-defining compulsive sexual behavior (of both singles and marrieds) is as yet uncommon.
In addition to the primary concern of Sila as protecting a foundation for meditative progress and enlightenment, perceptions of what is non-harming and harmful may vary according to the sexes. A male may define sincere and consensual holy passion as merely non-harming, however a female, being at risk for emotional abandonment and/or unexpected pregnancy, may define non-harming quite differently, which is why the eastern tradition has had a longstanding code of marriage tradition whereby matchmaking occurs first and sexual behavior second.
Proper Sila in a modern global culture context with changing notions of what is non-harming is a topic of visionary inquiry and dialogue.
Levels of sila
There are several levels of sila, which correspond to the basic morality of five precepts, the basic morality with asceticism of eight precepts, novice ordination's ten precepts and full ordination's vinayaVinaya
The Vinaya is the regulatory framework for the Buddhist monastic community, or sangha, based in the canonical texts called Vinaya Pitaka. The teachings of the Buddha, or Buddhadharma can be divided into two broad categories: 'Dharma' or doctrine, and 'Vinaya', or discipline...
or patimokkha
Patimokkha
In Buddhism, the Patimokkha is the basic Theravada code of monastic discipline, consisting of 227 rules for fully ordained monks and 311 for nuns . It is contained in the Suttavibhanga, a division of the Vinaya Pitaka.- Parajika :...
. Laypeople generally undertake to live by the five precepts which are common to all Buddhist schools. If they wish, they can choose to undertake the eight precepts, which have some additional precepts of basic asceticism.
Five Precepts
The five precepts are not given in the form of commands, but are training guidelines to help one live a life in which one is happy, without worries, and able to meditate well. Breaking one's Sila introduces harmfulness towards one's practice or the practice of another person if it involves uncommitted relationship. They are:- I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life;
- I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given;
- I undertake the training rule to abstain from sexual misconduct;
- I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech; and
- I undertake the training rule to abstain from liquors, wines, and other intoxicants, which are the basis for heedlessness.
In Buddhist thought, the cultivation of giving
Dana (Buddhism)
Dāna is generosity or giving. In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is the practice of cultivating generosity. Ultimately, the practice culminates in one of the perfections : the perfection of giving - dāna-pāramitā...
(dāna) and ethical conduct will themselves refine consciousness to such a level that rebirth in one of the lower heavens is likely, even if there is no further Buddhist practice. There is nothing improper or un-Buddhist about limiting one's aims to this level of attainment, although by itself it does not gain one nirvāna
Nirvana
Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
or end suffering.
Eight Precepts
During special occasionans, monastic retreats for lay followers, and such, a more stringent set of precepts is undertaken, usually for 24 hours, until dawn the following day. The eight precepts encourage further discipline and are modeled on the monastic code. Note that in the eight precepts, the third precept on sexual misconduct is made more strict and becomes a precept of celibacy.The three additional rules of the Eight Precepts are:
- “I accept the training rule to abstain from food at improper times.” (e.g. no solid foods after noon, and not until dawn the following day)
- “I accept the training rule (a) to abstain from dancing, singing, instrumental music, and shows, and (b) from the use of jewelry, cosmetics, and beauty lotions.”
- “I accept the training rule to abstain from the use of high and luxurious beds and seats.”
Ten Precepts
Novice-monksSamanera
A samanera ) may be translated as novice monk in a Buddhist context. The literal meaning is 'small samana', that is, small renunciate where 'small' has the meaning of boy or girl. In the Vinaya monastic discipline, a man under the age of 20 cannot ordain as a bhikkhu, but can ordain as a samanera...
use the ten precepts, which are the basic precepts for monastics: people who have left the domestic life and live in monasteries.
Patimokkha
VinayaVinaya
The Vinaya is the regulatory framework for the Buddhist monastic community, or sangha, based in the canonical texts called Vinaya Pitaka. The teachings of the Buddha, or Buddhadharma can be divided into two broad categories: 'Dharma' or doctrine, and 'Vinaya', or discipline...
is the specific moral code for nuns and monks . It includes the patimokkha
Patimokkha
In Buddhism, the Patimokkha is the basic Theravada code of monastic discipline, consisting of 227 rules for fully ordained monks and 311 for nuns . It is contained in the Suttavibhanga, a division of the Vinaya Pitaka.- Parajika :...
, a set of rules (227 for monks in the Theravādin recension). The precise content of the scriptures on vinaya (vinayapiṭaka) differ slightly according to different schools, and different schools or subschools set different standards for the degree of adherence to the vinaya.
Mahāyāna Precepts
In MahāyānaMahayana
Mahāyāna is one of the two main existing branches of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophies and practice...
Buddhism, there is also a distinctive vinaya and ethics for bodhisattvas contained within the Mahāyāna Brahmajala Sutra (not to be confused with the Pāli text of that name). These exist above and beyond the existing monastic code, or lay follower precepts. Here the eating of meat, for example, is frowned upon and vegetarianism is actively encouraged (See: vegetarianism in Buddhism
Vegetarianism in Buddhism
In Buddhism, the views on vegetarianism vary from school to school. According to Theravada, the Buddha allowed his monks to eat pork, chicken and beef if the animal was not killed for the purpose of providing food for monks...
). These precepts, have no parallel in Theravāda
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhism.
Sources
- Bodhi, BhikkhuBhikkhu BodhiBhikkhu Bodhi , born Jeffrey Block, is an American Theravada Buddhist monk, ordained in Sri Lanka and currently teaching in the New York/New Jersey area...
(2005). In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon. Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-491-1. - Gethin, RupertRupert GethinDr. Rupert Mark Lovell Gethin is a Lecturer in Indian Religions in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and codirector of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol, and president of the Pali Text Society...
(1998). The Foundations of Buddhism. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-289223-1. - Gombrich, RichardRichard GombrichRichard Francis Gombrich is a British Indologist and scholar of Sanskrit, Pāli, and Buddhist Studies. He acted as the Boden Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Oxford from 1976 to 2004. He is currently Founder-President of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies...
(2002). Theravāda Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benares to Modern Colombo. London: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-07585-8. - Harvey, PeterPeter HarveyPeter Harvey is an award-winning Australian television journalist.He has been with the Nine Network since 1975 and currently he presents the mailbag segment on 60 Minutes as well as being a reporter on Nine News and a regular contributor on Today.Harvey studied his journalism cadetship with the...
(1990). An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices. Cambridge: Cambridge University. ISBN 0-521-31333-3. - Ñāamoli, Bhikkhu (trans.) (1999). The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga. Seattle, WA: BPSBuddhist Publication SocietyThe Buddhist Publication Society is a charity whose goal is to explain and spread the doctrine of the Buddha. It was founded in Sri Lanka in 1958 by two Sri Lankan Buddhist laymen, A.S. Karunaratna and Richard Abeyasekera, and a European-born Buddhist monk, Nyanaponika Thera...
Pariyatti Editions. ISBN 1-928706-00-2. - Nyanatiloka Mahathera (1988). Buddhist Dictionary: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines. Kandy: Buddhist Publication SocietyBuddhist Publication SocietyThe Buddhist Publication Society is a charity whose goal is to explain and spread the doctrine of the Buddha. It was founded in Sri Lanka in 1958 by two Sri Lankan Buddhist laymen, A.S. Karunaratna and Richard Abeyasekera, and a European-born Buddhist monk, Nyanaponika Thera...
. ISBN 955-24-0019-8. Retrieved 2008-02-17 from "BuddhaSasana" at http://www.budsas.org/ebud/bud-dict/dic_idx.htm. - Saddhatissa, Hammalawa (1987). Buddhist Ethics: The Path to Nirvāna. London: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-53-3.
- Thanissaro BhikkhuThanissaro BhikkhuṬhānissaro Bhikkhu, also known as Ajaan Geoff, is an American Buddhist monk of the Dhammayut Order , Thai forest kammatthana tradition. He is currently the abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County. Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu is a notably skilled and prolific translator of the Pāli Canon...
(1999). The Ten Perfections: A Study Guide. Retrieved 2008-02-17 from "Access to Insight" at http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/study/perfections.html. - Warder, A.K. (2004). Indian Buddhism. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 81-208-1741-9.
External links
- Sila as explained in the Buddhist Encyclopedia.