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Significance of Shila

Shila, in Buddhism, encompasses the observance of moral precepts and ethical conduct that serves as a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice. It involves the training of body and speech to cultivate moral discipline essential for meditation and spiritual growth. Key teachings emphasize Shila as crucial for developing virtues and fulfilling obligations to abstain from harmful actions. It guides practitioners in leading a virtuous life, fostering harmony, and ultimately achieving enlightenment. Shila is seen as a core tenet for cultivating compassion and moral purity.1
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In Dutch: Shila; In German: Shila; In Finnish: Shila; In Spanish: Shila; In Swedish: Shila; In Malay: Shila; In French: Shila

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Shila'

Buddhism Books

Shila in Buddhism signifies moral precepts that guide ethical behavior, serving as a foundation for spiritual development. It comprises disciplines for both monks and lay practitioners, essential for achieving prosperity and liberation in life.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) Moral conduct or ethical behavior that serves as a root for various forms of prosperity in this life and the next.[1] (2) Moral conduct and ethical behavior in Buddhism that contributes to one's spiritual development.[2] (3) The Perfection signifying Morality or Virtue, emphasizing ethical conduct.[3] (4) Morality or ethical conduct, an essential foundation in the Buddha's teachings.[4] (5) Morality or ethical conduct in Buddhist practice, foundational for achieving higher states of mind.[5]

From: Cetasikas

(1) Sila refers to moral conduct or ethical behavior, a component essential for cultivating kusala and diminishing akusala.[6] (2) Moral conduct or virtue, which includes abstaining from harmful actions and adhering to ethical principles.[7] (3) Ethical conduct or morality that arises from the presence of moral shame and fear of blame.[8] (4) Moral conduct or ethical behavior in Buddhism; it is an essential aspect of the path to spiritual development.[9] (5) Moral conduct in Buddhism; when observed, it is accompanied by non-aversion and goodwill.[10]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A term referring to morality or ethical conduct in Buddhism.[11] (2) The Pali term for virtue, encompassing both positive actions to perform (caritta) and abstinence from negative behaviors (varitta).[12] (3) Moral purity in Buddhism, encompassing both negative abstinences from bad behavior and positive actions that promote virtue.[13] (4) Refers to morality or ethical conduct, which was not compromised in the case of Kumarakassapa's mother.[14]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life

(1) Morality or ethical conduct essential for the development of calm and higher states of meditation.[15] (2) Morality or ethical conduct, an important aspect in the cultivation of kusala and preventing akusala.[16]

From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada

(1) Moral conduct or ethical behavior in Buddhism, important for accumulating good Kamma.[17] (2) Moral precepts that should be practiced diligently by those at any level of spiritual development.[18]

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) Moral conduct, a fundamental aspect within the broader categories of morality.[19] (2) Moral precepts in Buddhism that guide ethical conduct and are essential for spiritual development.[20]

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) Sila is mentioned as something that is sought after, alongside Dhamma and samadhi bhavana, by those who are starting to take an interest in the teaching and practice of Buddhism.[21] (2) Moral precepts given by monks during ceremonies that Kammatthana Bhikkhus may deliver while displaying socially inappropriate behaviors.[22]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)

(1) Moral precepts that govern the behavior of monks and lay practitioners, aimed at fostering ethical conduct.[23]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) Sila refers to moral conduct or ethical behavior prescribed within the discipline (Vinaya) that forms part of the Buddhist path.[24]

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) Ethical conduct or moral precepts, essential in leading a virtuous life according to Buddhist teachings.[25]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) Morality, a virtuous principle that leads to positive outcomes in one's life.[26]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) Moral precepts or obligations that one must observe, especially in the context of Buddhism.[27] (2) Moral conduct or ethical precepts in Buddhism that guide practitioners' behavior and actions.[28] (3) Moral conduct and precepts in Buddhism that guide ethical behavior.[29] (4) Moral precepts or ethical conduct in Buddhism, considered foundational to good deeds and spiritual growth.[30] (5) Ethical conduct or moral discipline essential for spiritual progress within Buddhism.[31]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The precepts or moral codes that define ethical behavior for monks.[32] (2) Discipline or moral conduct practiced by bodhisattvas as part of their spiritual development.[33] (3) Refers to moral discipline or ethical conduct, considered one of the essential qualities leading to liberation.[34] (4) The ethical conduct or discipline that is important to maintain but can be compromised.[35]

From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra

(1) Disciplinary rules in Buddhism that involve refraining from evil actions, as described by Shen Hsiu's teaching.[36] (2) Precepts or moral guidelines that govern behavior in Buddhist practice.[37]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) The ethical conduct or moral discipline that forms a foundation for achieving enlightenment and helps in the cultivation of compassion.[38]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) Sanskrit for 'precepts'; refers to rules or ethical guidelines governing conduct among Buddhists.[39]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Bodhinyana

(1) Moral discipline that involves the training of one's body and speech, as a foundation for meditation.[40]

From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)

(1) Refers to the observance of moral precepts in Buddhist practice.[41]

Hindu concept of 'Shila'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Shila symbolizes both the threshold of a door, representing support, and embodies moral conduct, aligning with concepts like carana and caritra, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior in daily life.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) Shila is the same as carana, caritra, acara, all of which mean conduct according to the provided text.[42]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

The concept of Shila in local and regional sources

History Books

Shila, in this context, embodies the power of virtue integral to pirit, illustrated by the Mangala Sutta, and represents a key aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path, emphasizing ethical conduct and moral behavior.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka

(1) The power of virtue that is part of the effectiveness of pirit, particularly exemplified by the Mangala Sutta.[43]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) One of the sections of the Noble Eightfold Path focusing on virtuous behavior and morality.[44]

Plural form: Shilas.