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VIPASSANA

Sila

Sila is a Pali word meaning ethic conduct and forms the basis of the Buddhist practice as a way of life. It is the first of the three trainings for a spiritual life (the other two being concentration and wisdom) and the first part of the Noble Eight-Fold Path.

For the daily life of lay people the Buddha recommended the following five precepts:

  1. To refrain from taking the life of any living being.
  2. To refrain from taking what is not given.
  3. To refrain from sexual misconduct.
  4. To refrain from false speech such as lying, harsh speech, divisive speech, and gossip.
  5. To refrain from taking intoxicants (including alcohol and drugs).

During retreats either the third precept is modified to exclude all sexual activity, or the following eight precepts are taken:

  1. To refrain from taking the life of any living being.
  2. To refrain from taking what is not given.
  3. To refrain from all sexual activity.
  4. To refrain from false speech such as lying, harsh speech, divisive speech, and gossip.
  5. To refrain from taking intoxicants (including alcohol and drugs).
  6. To refrain from eating after noon.
  7. To refrain from dancing, singing, music, attending shows, as well as refraining from using perfume, cosmetics, and adornments such as jewellery.
  8. To refrain from using high and luxurious seats and beds.