Chapter 1
Introduction
A life of goodness and decency is desired by all because such a life benefits one's self as well as other people. Goodness and decency begin with a clean and pure physical conduct, a clean and pure verbal conduct, and a clean and pure mental conduct. A good and decent person does not harm one's self or other people.
A good and decent life begins with Sila practice.
It is written in the Khuddakanikaya Theragatha,
ādi sīlam patiṭṭhā ca
kalyāṇānañca mātukam
pamukham sabbadhammānam
tasmā sīlam visodhaye.
which means that Sila (or morality) is the beginning, the foundation, the mother that gives birth to all virtues. Sila is the chief of all wholesomeness. Therefore, a person should earnestly practice Sila.
Sila is what the sages have accepted and practiced all throughout the ages and up to the present time.
Today, it is very important that one practices Sila together with earning a living. Sila is the foundation of all virtues and it provides the best assurance where safety is concerned.
A person, whose body and speech are guided by Sila, has a bright and clear mind, the quality that is conducive to meditation practice and meditative attainments. Such a person is certain to meet with only good things in life and will be able to easily accumulate greater and greater deeds of wholesomeness.
A person who practices Sila earns genuine respect from other people. He is happy and content. It is the kind of happiness that spreads peace to society. This is possible because Sila is the basis of goodness.
