Lesson Seven: The Timeless Truths (Part II)

Sila

(Morality)

Right Speech

Right Action

Right Livelihood

Samadhi

(Concentration)

Right Effort

Right Mindfulness

Right Concentration

Panna

(Wisdom)

Right Understanding

Right Thought

2.SILA (MORALITY)

Sila, meaning morality or ethical conduct, is
based on love and compassion for all living
beings. Both qualities, compassion and wisdom,
should be developed equally for a man to
become perfect.

Compassion means love, charity, kindness,
tolerance and such noble qualities of the heart.
Wisdom is the ability to penetrate into the real
nature of things and understand things without
being clouded with delusion.

Through understanding the Buddha's teachings,
we realize that each of us are linked to every
form of life, from the most insignificant insect to
the highest spiritual being. We are all subject to
the same universal laws of cause and effect; we
share the same characteristics of impermanence
(Anicca), liable to suffering (Dukkha), and we lack
any permanent self- identity (Anatta). Each of us
are tied to the vast cosmic pattern of which
every living being forms a part.

A. Right Speech (Samma Vaca)

Its essence is control, until our every word is

courteous, considerate and true. It deals with

refraining from (a) falsehood, (b) backbiting and

slander that bring about hatted and disharmony

among others, (c) harsh, malicious and abusive

language, and (d) idle and useless gossip.

Silence should be so respected that the words

that break it must leave the world thebetter for

their utterance.

He who tries to eradicate selfish desires cannot

and will not indulge in slandering, falsehood or

vicious talk for selfish motives. Instead of

deceiving and disuniting his fellow beings, he

should be truthful and trustworthy and seek the

good and beautiful in others.

He should let his speech be true, sweet like the

fragrance of jasmine, considerate and pleasant

like soothing balm. To the fearful he instils

courage; to the weak he instils strength; to the

envious he instils generous thoughts; to. the lost

he instils hope; and to the foolish he instils

wisdom.