How to practice “Sīla” effectively. by Ven. Dr. I. Indasara Mahāthera (part 1)

How to practice “Sīla” effectively. 

by Ven. Dr. I. Indasara Mahāthera (part 1)

According to the Buddhist point of view, Sīla or moral conduct provides the guiding principles of human behaviour which promotes peaceful existence in a community. 

Other world religions also have discussed and introduced some rules and regulations for human beings that are conducive to control and discipline man’s aggressive behaviour. These rules may to a certain extent be similar depending on the particular teacher or religious system. All religions have lists of actions from which to abstain. A good example is afforded by Buddhism’s five Sīlas or precepts, namely 

to abstain from taking the life of sentient beings, 

to abstain from taking possession of anything that has not been given by its owner, 

to abstain from sexual misconduct, 

to abstain from lying or evil speech, and 

to abstain from intoxicating drinks which are a primary cause of negligence.

These five Sīlas are the basic principles of Buddhism which are to be followed by all lay people. It is customary for them to be delivered during almost every religious ceremony and those present at the ceremonies generally make a formal declaration of their intention to comply with them.

The prohibition against taking the life of living beings applies not only to humanity but also to creatures of every kind, both big and small including black ants as well as red ants. 

When someone refrains from killing, is it possible to say that he has observed the first Sīla? 

According to my view no one can say that he has fully practised the first Sīla and fully refrained the killing. It is only half correct and half incorrect, because all the five precepts have two phases.

1. Negative phase (Refrain side)

2. Positive phase (Observance side)

It is very clear that the negative side is to refrain from killing sentient beings. Then what is the observance side? 

This is the part that we have not paid enough attention. It is insufficient to refrain from killing because in addition, we have to practise love and kindness towards all the beings. According to Karaniyametta Sutta – 

“Whatsoever living beings there be; feeble or strong, long, stout or medium, short, small or large; seen or unseen, those dwelling far or near, those who are born and those who are to be born, may all beings, without exception, be happy minded.

Let no one deceive another nor despise any person whatsoever in any place. In anger or ill-will, let him not wish harm to another.

Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own life, so let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings.”

Therefore, we should not by any means harass sentient beings. Instead, we should practise loving kindness and respect all beings’ right to life until their natural death. Only then are we effectively observing the first precept.