When asked what sīla is, it's simply restraint. Therefore, one must restrain both physical and verbal actions. This means refraining from unwholesome bodily actions and speech. Thus, sīla becomes pure.
However, for sīla to become especially pure, it must be surrounded by bhāvanā (meditation). There are two types of bhāvanā: samatha and vipassanā.
When sīla is surrounded by bhāvanā, it becomes purer. The purer the sīla, the stronger the samādhi (concentration), and the stronger the samādhi, the sharper the wisdom. Only with sharp wisdom can one attain the knowledge of Path and Fruition.
There are four types of sīla:
1. #Deteriorating_Sīla (Hānabhāgiya)
This is like a cowherd's observance - taking precepts but eating, speaking, and acting without any restraint of the senses. Some people observe precepts but spend time casually chatting and laughing without taking it seriously.
2. #Stagnant_Sīla (Ṭhitibhāgiya)
This is when one observes precepts but doesn't engage in any spiritual practices or listen to Dhamma. The mind remains impure due to lack of development.
One should:
- Listen to Dhamma
- Read Buddhist texts
- Recite mantras
- Discuss Dhamma
- Perform services for Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, and parents
3. #Distinguished_Sīla (Visesabhāgiya)
This is when sīla is combined with samatha practices like:
- Contemplation of Buddha's qualities
- Loving-kindness meditation
- Development of concentration
The mind becomes less prone to unwholesome thoughts when restrained through meditation.
4. #Supreme_Sīla (Nibbedhabhāgiya)
This is sīla that destroys defilements (kilesas - mental impurities that cause suffering). After taking precepts, one should practice vipassanā meditation, even if only for 30 minutes or an hour, according to one's ability.
Through vipassanā:
- One sees mind and matter clearly
- Self-view is eliminated
- Defilements like greed and anger can be eradicated
This systematic progression shows how sīla, when properly developed and supported by meditation practice, leads to the highest spiritual attainments.
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