When one possesses good virtue, known as sīla, they abstain from harmful actions and exclusively engage in virtuous deeds. The Supreme Buddha emphasized that sīla serves as the cornerstone for all wholesome qualities. Developing virtuous sīla lays the groundwork for the cultivation of other positive attributes such as samādhi (concentration) and paññā (wisdom).
For lay individuals, the Buddha prescribed the Five Precepts to be upheld daily throughout their lives. Recognizing the value of renunciation even for lay followers, he further encouraged the observance of the Eight Precepts.
The Significance of Sīla in Buddhist Practice
Three components of the Noble Eightfold Path fall under the umbrella of sīla: Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood.
In the Puññakiriyavatthu Sutta, the Buddha elucidated that sīla constitutes one of the three foundations for accumulating merit, alongside dāna (giving) and bhāvana (meditation).
According to the Abhisanda Sutta, the Buddha expounded on the significance of virtue as one of the streams of merit:
“Moreover, a noble disciple possesses virtue that is esteemed by the wise, unbroken, impeccable, untarnished, devoid of craving, liberated from erroneous views, commended by discerning individuals, and conducive to concentration. This represents the fourth stream of merit, a stream of wholesomeness that generates happiness.”
(Abhisanda Sutta, SN 55.31)
Sīla in the Dhammapada
The Buddha also employed similes to convey teachings on virtue in the Dhammapada:
- Similar to how the scent of flowers, sandalwood, jasmine, and rosebay does not go against the wind, the fragrance of a grateful person travels against the wind. The virtues of such an individual spread in all directions.
- Among all fragrances—sandalwood, rosebay, water lily, and jasmine—the fragrance of virtue is the sweetest.
- Though the scent of rosebay or sandalwood may be subtle, the fragrance of the virtuous is supreme, wafting even to heaven.
- The liberated ones are virtuous and diligently practice the Dhamma. Through the realization of the Noble Truths, they are freed from suffering, and Māra never discovers the path by which they attain liberation.
(Dhammapada, Puppha Vagga)
Verses of Arahant Sīlava
Arahant Sīlava, a distinguished disciple of the Supreme Buddha, expounded on the significance of virtue with the following verses:
- Diligently practice virtue on the path of the Buddha. In this world, well-practiced virtue brings all-encompassing success.
- A wise individual should embrace virtue, aspiring for three types of happiness: the praise of others, the acquisition of wealth, and the rejoicing in heavenly realms after death.
- Through a restrained life, a virtuous person gains many friends, while the unvirtuous one is estranged from companions due to evil deeds.
- The unvirtuous garner only a tarnished reputation and blame, whereas the virtuous consistently earn a good name, fame, and praise.
- Virtue stands as the foundation and bedrock for wholesome qualities. It is akin to a mother for all virtuous attributes, holding the foremost position among all commendable qualities. Thus, one should ensure the purity of their virtue.
- The mind, like the vast ocean, finds its shore in virtue. Virtue, the meritorious pier for all Buddhas, brings joy and restraint. Therefore, one should strive for the purity of their virtue.
- Virtue possesses unparalleled power, serving as the supreme weapon, the finest ornament, and a marvelous armor.
- Virtue acts as an incredibly potent bridge and an unsurpassed fragrance, spreading in all directions as the most delightful scent.
- Virtue emerges as the preeminent sustenance for the journey and the primary source of wealth for life’s expedition. It serves as the finest vehicle for traversing all directions.
- An unvirtuous person faces blame in this world and, after death, endures suffering in hell. Such a fool encounters misery everywhere due to the absence of virtue and a restless mind.
- A well-behaved individual attains fame in this world and, after death, experiences happiness in heavenly realms. The wise and energetic person finds joy everywhere through virtuous conduct and a perfectly tranquil mind.
- While virtue holds great importance on the path of Dhamma, wisdom is deemed the greatest. Through virtue and wisdom, one can achieve victory among humans and gods.
(Verses of Arahant Sīlava)
In our journey through life’s challenges, the Buddha’s teachings offer a timeless guide, urging practitioners to uphold and purify our virtue. The verses of Arahant Sīlava resonate with the enduring truth that virtuous conduct is not only a moral imperative but a source of genuine happiness and liberation. May the practice of Sīla illuminate the path for all beings, fostering a world enriched with compassion, understanding, and profound inner peace.
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