Sīla can be translated as ethical conduct and is a way of acting in a considered ethical manner. This requires the individual to ensure that they act, think and speak in ways that are positive and conducive to positive mental attitudes. Sīla is explored within the Eight-fold Path where it is stated that right speech, right action and right livelihood are all forms of acting ethically.

Eight Fold PathGrouping Right ViewWisdom (prajñā) Right IntentionWisdom (prajñā) Right SpeechEthical Conduct (sīla) Right ActionEthical Conduct (sīla) Right LivelihoodEthical Conduct (sīla) Right EffortMeditation (samādhi) Right MindfulnessMeditation (samādhi) Right ConcentrationMeditation (samādhi)

Right speech means that one should abstain from gossip, slander and anything that might be considered hurtful. Right action or conduct requires the individual to act in positive and helpful ways. One should abstain from sexual misconduct, theft and harming others. Right livelihood means that the individual should not be employed in jobs that cause harm or suffering such as weapons trading and prostitution. One should also be ethical in business by not cheating clients or using underhand methods.

Sīla is one of the Three Bases of Merit as outlined in the Puññakiriyavatthu Sutta (A IV 146) along with generosity (dāna) and cultivation/meditation (bhāvana). Merit (pu ṇ ya/puñña) is an important concept within Buddhist thought. It is what is accumulated through good and wholesome deeds. The production of merit is important as it can have positive effects on the lives of individuals, generate desirable rebirths and also allow one to access higher levels of spiritual attainment.

Futher ethical rules for Buddhists are set out in the Five Precepts where they are advised to: 1.Refrain from harming living creatures 2.Refrain from taking what is not given 3.Refrain from sexual misconduct 4.Refrain from false speech 5.Refrain from intoxicants that cause heedlessness.

For those in the laity who want to there are additional precepts that can be followed. These are usually undertaken during special occasions such as full moon festival days: 6.Refrain from eating after midday 7.Refrain from attending entertainments and using perfume 8.Refrain from sleeping on luxurious beds.

Novices follow the Ten Precepts which are an extension of the five or eight precepts that are followed by the laity: 1.Refrain from harming living creatures 2.Refrain from taking what is not given 3.Refrain from sexual activity 4.Refrain from false speech 5.Refrain from intoxicants that cause heedlessness 6.Refrain from eating at the forbidden time 7.Refrain from attending entertainments, singing and dancing 8.Refrain from wearing perfumes, cosmetics and garlands 9.Refrain from sleeping in a high or luxurious bed 10.Refrain from accepting gold or silver

In South East Asia it is common for men to ordain as monks for a short period. The man dressed in white is ordaining in memory of a relative in Laos (2007).

For the Sa ṅ gha sīla requires them to live by the monastic codes found within the vinaya. Different schools of Buddhist thought have different rules in their respective vinayas. Regardless of the differences between the schools there are always two parts which govern the action of monks 1.Prātimok ṣ a/pā ṭ imokkha- these are the rules that govern the lives monks and nuns. 2.Regulations covering acts of the Sa ṅ gha as a whole such as performances of chants and ceremonies.

There are, however, four rules that if broken result in the immediate dismissal of a monk or nun: 1.Engaging in sexual intercourse 2.Taking what is not given 3.Taking human life, or persuading someone else to take human life 4.False claims of spiritual attainments.

Monks are expected to keep all of the rules that are laid out in their respective vinayas (China, 2008).