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