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Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c15.s1: I. Sīla

Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c15.s1

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I. Sīla

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In every religion and not in Buddhism alone, the first demand that is made of the followers is observance of moral precepts (*sīlas*), that is, restraint in physical actions including speech. It is ordinarily known in India as *brahmacarya*.

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According to the Buddhists, *sīla* consists of *sammā vācā*, *sammā kammanta* and *sammā ājīva*, the three of the eight divisions of the Path leading to Nibbāna. These three terms practically include the whole code of moral laws that are prescribed for the conduct of the Buddhist monks.¹ In the *Vibhaṅga* (pp. 235-6) and the *Majjhima Nikāya* (III, pp. 251 ff.) these are detailed as follows:

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¹ For detailed treatment, see *Infra*, Ch. XIII. Cf. *Majjhima*, I, p. 301: Silakkhandha = sammā vācā, kammanto and ājīva Samādhikkhandha = sammā samādhi Paññākkhandha = sammā diṭṭhi and saṅkappa.

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*Sammā-vācā* = refraining from speaking falsehood, malicious words, harsh and frivolous talk;

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*Sammā-kammanta* = refraining from killing, stealing, and misconduct; and

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*Sammā-ājīva* = refraining from earning livelihood by improper means, i.e. arts and crafts of laymen. Some of these are:² astrological or astronomical forecasts, interpretation of dreams and omens, use of magical spells, determination of the nature of men, animal and things by their signs, acting as go-betweens between kings, taking part in marriage ceremonies, giving medicines and so forth.

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² *Dīgha*, I, pp. 67-9.

Cites (4)