Perfection of Ethics

This paramita is the enlightened quality of virtuous and ethical behavior, morality, self-discipline, impeccability, personal integrity, honor, and harmlessness.  

The essence of this paramita is that through our love and compassion we do not harm others; we are virtuous and harmless in our thoughts, speech, and actions.  

This practice of ethical conduct is the very foundation for progressing in any practice of meditation and for attaining all higher realizations on the path.

Our practice of generosity must always be supported by our practice of ethics; this ensures the lasting results of our generosity.  

We should perfect our conduct by eliminating harmful behavior and following the Bodhisattva precepts. We abstain from (1) killing, (2) stealing, (3) sexual misconduct, (4) lying, (5) divisive speech, (6) harsh speech, (7) gossip, (8) greed, (9) malice, and (10) wrong views.  

Following these precepts or guidelines is not meant to be a burden or a restriction of our freedom. We follow these precepts so we can enjoy greater freedom, happiness, and security in our lives, because through our virtuous behavior we are no longer creating suffering for ourselves and others.  

We must realize that unethical behavior is always the cause of suffering and unhappiness.

If we give even the slightest consideration to the advantages of cultivating ethical behavior and the disadvantages of unethical behavior, we will certainly develop great enthusiasm for this practice of ethics.  

Practicing the perfection of ethics, we are free of negativity, we cause no harm to others by our actions, our speech is kind and compassionate, and our thoughts are free of anger, malice, and wrong views.  

When our commitment is strong in the practice of ethics we are at ease, naturally confident, without stress, and happy because we are not carrying any underlying sense of guilt or remorse for our actions; we have nothing to hide.  

Maintaining our personal honor and integrity, our moral impeccability, this is the cause of all goodness, happiness, and even the attainment of enlightenment.

Source: Used with permission from https://sourcepointglobaloutreach.org/what-we-offer/