# Sila - morality **URL:** https://classicaltheravada.org/c/sila-morality/11.md [Latest](https://classicaltheravada.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://classicaltheravada.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://classicaltheravada.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the Sila - morality category](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/about-the-sila-morality-category/29)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0
Monastic or Layperson morality --- ## [How to participate and support in local monasteries who do not follow Vinaya strictly?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-participate-and-support-in-local-monasteries-who-do-not-follow-vinaya-strictly/2608)
**Author:** [@iulspop](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/iulspop)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-participate-and-support-in-local-monasteries-who-do-not-follow-vinaya-strictly/2608 "2026-09-21T19:19:54Z")
Hello, There are local Theravada monasteries near me, however I believe generally monks do not practice Vinaya so well. For example they might cook breakfast for themselves or keep their own money or not have a proper d… --- ## [What is the purpose of the Monkhood?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-monkhood/2598)
**Author:** [@renaldo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/renaldo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 5:11am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-monkhood/2598 "2026-09-08T05:11:02Z")
What is the purpose of the monkhood? I found the following explanation quite informative: "On my last day in Thailand I attended the morning session in Thai at the Foundation6. The subject discussed was the real purp… --- ## [Vinaya Comparison of Monasteries](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/vinaya-comparison-of-monasteries/261)
**Author:** [@ekocare](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/ekocare)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 7:53am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/vinaya-comparison-of-monasteries/261 "2026-09-04T07:53:21Z")
Thailand - embracing-buddhisms Webseite! Wat Khao Sanamchai (Hua Hin) Vinaya: Very strong and rigorous alignment with the textual sources of the pāli-canon in combination with the commentaries (aṭṭhakathā) and su… --- ## [What is the "orthodox" way to determine Uposatha days?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-is-the-orthodox-way-to-determine-uposatha-days/2522)
**Author:** [@iulspop](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/iulspop)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-is-the-orthodox-way-to-determine-uposatha-days/2522 "2026-07-09T14:30:21Z")
What is the “orthodox” way to determine Uposatha days? It seems to depend on the country. I can find the Uposatha days for Thailand traditions online. --- ## [Piracy Parajika](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/piracy-parajika/2456)
**Author:** [@Phaeton](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Phaeton)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2026, 7:06am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/piracy-parajika/2456 "2026-06-05T07:06:12Z")
Can downloading and using pirated software or books lead to a Parajika offense for a bhikkhu? --- ## [How does a monk live without a kappiya?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-does-a-monk-live-without-a-kappiya/2443)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2026, 1:51pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-does-a-monk-live-without-a-kappiya/2443 "2026-06-04T13:51:00Z")
If I ordain as a Bhikkhu, I would rather have a novice disciple than a lay person kappiya. Is it possible for a monk to be live independently without relying on lay people other than when going for almsround? How did mo… --- ## [Life of an ascetic](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/life-of-an-ascetic/1434)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2026, 2:35am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/life-of-an-ascetic/1434 "2026-06-01T02:35:10Z")
Is the life of an ascetic(like in the jatakas) still fully possible in today’s world? The idea of meditating alone in the forest in seclusion and attaining jhanas and psychic powers has fascinated me for a long time, but… --- ## [Article on pāṇātipāta](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/article-on-pa-atipata/2171)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2026, 11:33am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/article-on-pa-atipata/2171 "2026-05-03T11:33:45Z")
Here is an article I finally got around to writing. I hope you find this useful. Summary: In Buddhism, “Killing” is defined by the technical mechanics of the mind, not by social laws. The unwholesome Kamma is complete… --- ## [How to ordain and last long in the monk life?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-ordain-and-last-long-in-the-monk-life/1435)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 4:33am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-ordain-and-last-long-in-the-monk-life/1435 "2026-04-08T04:33:52Z")
Hello everyone, What can we do to remove attachment to the household life and permanently ordain as a monk? I do want to ordain one day if I become more knowledgeable about the scriptures and have enough support. At fi… --- ## [Saṅghādisesa - Thanissaro claims the Commentary has it wrong](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sa-ghadisesa-thanissaro-claims-the-commentary-has-it-wrong/968)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 7:41pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sa-ghadisesa-thanissaro-claims-the-commentary-has-it-wrong/968 "2026-04-05T19:41:37Z")
Saṅghādisesa | The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volumes I & II Saṅghādisesa1 Intention The Vibhaṅga defines intentionally as “having willed, having made the decision knowingly and consciously.” The Commentary explains thes… --- ## [Can monks show supernatural powers to others?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/can-monks-show-supernatural-powers-to-others/1517)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2026, 10:04am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/can-monks-show-supernatural-powers-to-others/1517 "2026-03-28T10:04:07Z")
Can monks show supernatural powers to others to increase people’s faith or to make parents proud? If a monk travel to Uttarakuru or other continents that can’t be visited by people or to other realms, others would know … --- ## [How to prevent worry and doubt in the monk life?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-prevent-worry-and-doubt-in-the-monk-life/2247)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2026, 11:21am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-prevent-worry-and-doubt-in-the-monk-life/2247 "2026-03-14T11:21:57Z")
When I ordain in the future, how do I prevent myself from feeling anxious about whether I have accidentally broken any rules? I might worry and have doubts over whether I have committed a dukkata offense. Then I might st… --- ## [Difference between Pacittiya and Dukkata?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/difference-between-pacittiya-and-dukkata/2231)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2026, 12:12am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/difference-between-pacittiya-and-dukkata/2231 "2026-03-01T00:12:15Z")
What is the difference between an offense entailing confession(pācittiya) and an offense of wrong conduct (dukkaṭa)? Does an offense of wrong conduct also require a confession? From Bhūtārocanasikkhāpada in the Vinaya: … --- ## [A funny story from the Mūla-sarvāstivāda Vinaya](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/a-funny-story-from-the-mula-sarvastivada-vinaya/2215)
**Author:** [@renaldo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/renaldo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 12:29am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/a-funny-story-from-the-mula-sarvastivada-vinaya/2215 "2026-02-24T00:29:45Z")
Here, a funny story is related from the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya involving pottery and prostitutes: “The majority of inscriptions on waterpots from the North-West clearly belong to the genre of donative inscriptions with… --- ## [Matricide and Patricide (killing mother or father)](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/matricide-and-patricide-killing-mother-or-father/2129)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2025, 8:56am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/matricide-and-patricide-killing-mother-or-father/2129 "2025-12-17T08:56:45Z")
Recently, there was a big profile case with matricide and patricide in the USA. Someone asked about matricide and patricide. I think we all know that it is immediate kamma. One cannot ordain, one cannot attain jhāna, on… --- ## [Masturbation and sexual misconduct](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/masturbation-and-sexual-misconduct/1490)
**Author:** [@Mrunal\_Mhatre1](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Mrunal_Mhatre1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2025, 11:06am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/masturbation-and-sexual-misconduct/1490 "2025-08-31T11:06:25Z")
So in my personal case, I was facing difficulties to follow this particular morality. I took the idea from the suttapitaka in which Buddha guided Nanda by showing him heaven nymphs. He assured him that he would meet wit… --- ## [Sexual misconduct](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sexual-misconduct/30)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2025, 5:45am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sexual-misconduct/30 "2025-08-04T05:45:48Z")
From Suguno QUOTE Abandoning misconduct in sexual desires, he becomes one who abstains from misconduct in sexual desires: he does not have intercourse with such women as are protected by mother, father, (father and mot… --- ## [Vinaya and anatta](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/vinaya-and-anatta/1928)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2025, 6:18am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/vinaya-and-anatta/1928 "2025-07-03T06:18:20Z")
In a discussion yesterday there was a question as to the 227 rules for monks (and 5 precepts for laypeople) and how this fits with the fact that every moment is conditioned and that there is no self in the absolute sens… --- ## [Cephalus on morality and wealth](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/cephalus-on-morality-and-wealth/1863)
**Author:** [@renaldo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/renaldo)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2025, 1:43am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/cephalus-on-morality-and-wealth/1863 "2025-05-24T01:43:50Z")
"Yes, that is very true, but may I ask another question?—What do you consider to be the greatest blessing which you have reaped from your wealth? One, he said, of which I could not expect easily to convince others. For … --- ## [Have I fallen into Theyyasaṅvāsa?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/have-i-fallen-into-theyyasa-vasa/1831)
**Author:** [@Bir\_Sen](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Bir_Sen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2025, 3:56am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/have-i-fallen-into-theyyasa-vasa/1831 "2025-05-12T03:56:23Z")
I am a Theravāda Buddhist monk. I received my higher ordination (upasampadā) in 2021. The sīma (boundary) where I received the upasampadā was established in 2008. From 2008 to 2024, more than 500 monks have received high… --- ## [If A Nun Is Raped And The Nun Enjoys It, Does It Cause An Offense Entailing Expulsion?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/if-a-nun-is-raped-and-the-nun-enjoys-it-does-it-cause-an-offense-entailing-expulsion/848)
**Author:** [@Nripendra](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Nripendra)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2025, 10:00pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/if-a-nun-is-raped-and-the-nun-enjoys-it-does-it-cause-an-offense-entailing-expulsion/848 "2025-05-02T22:00:00Z")
If a nun was raped and she enjoyed it, does it cause an offence for the nun? If a nun was raped and she did not enjoy it, does it cause an offence for the nun? --- ## [Results Of Masturbation?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/results-of-masturbation/847)
**Author:** [@Nripendra](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Nripendra)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2025, 11:30pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/results-of-masturbation/847 "2025-03-17T23:30:51Z")
Masturbation for the monks and nuns is prohibited by the vinaya. It is not prohibited for layman and laywomen. What are the kammic results of masturbation? Is it bad to masturbate as a lay person? Does masturbation le… --- ## [Is developing weapons bad?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-developing-weapons-bad/1716)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2025, 10:37am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-developing-weapons-bad/1716 "2025-03-12T10:37:21Z")
Is it bad kamma for countries to develop weapons to discourage other countries from invading? What about training soldiers using new technology such as Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality? If it’s done with the intention … --- ## [Requirements for Freedom From Nissaya and Preceptor](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/requirements-for-freedom-from-nissaya-and-preceptor/1442)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2025, 2:53pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/requirements-for-freedom-from-nissaya-and-preceptor/1442 "2025-01-30T14:53:54Z")
You are asking about the requirements for a preceptor according to the pali. I think “knowing” means memorized. I recall it is very difficult to become a real preceptor. I think that commentaries applies as to all th… --- ## [Does this break the second precept?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/does-this-break-the-second-precept/1651)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2025, 10:02am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/does-this-break-the-second-precept/1651 "2025-01-28T10:02:23Z")
I paid the bus fare on my way to someone’s house. However, on the way back home I couldn’t pay due to technical difficulties. When I was on the bus on the way back home, I was trying to pay the bus fare using Apple Pay o… --- ## [Third Precept, parental consent and the Hunter's Wife (Dhammapada 124)](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/third-precept-parental-consent-and-the-hunters-wife-dhammapada-124/1594)
**Author:** [@Brunobm](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Brunobm)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2024, 5:05am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/third-precept-parental-consent-and-the-hunters-wife-dhammapada-124/1594 "2024-12-26T05:05:13Z")
Greetings, I was reading this essay by Bhante @bksubhuti on the 3rd precept: Theravada Buddhism and Sex: The Third Precept on Sexual Misconduct - American Buddhist Monk: Bhante Subhūti One point caught my attention: t… --- ## [Does Drinking Non-Alcoholic Drinks Break the Fifth Precept (Sīla)](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/does-drinking-non-alcoholic-drinks-break-the-fifth-precept-sila/1588)
**Author:** [@Nripendra](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Nripendra)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 8:06am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/does-drinking-non-alcoholic-drinks-break-the-fifth-precept-sila/1588 "2024-12-22T08:06:16Z")
Does drinking totally non-alcoholic drinks (0.0% ABV) break the fith sīla? No? In the European Union, a drink can be labeled as “alcohol-free” if it contains no more than 0.05% ABV. But the thing is, it still contains a… --- ## [Home self defense and precepts](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/home-self-defense-and-precepts/1573)
**Author:** [@Citta](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Citta)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2024, 3:41am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/home-self-defense-and-precepts/1573 "2024-12-18T03:41:56Z")
If an intruder (especially with a knife or other weapon) breaks into one’s house and puts homeowner and his/her family in danger, how should a good Buddhist act? How akusala would it be to stop harm being done to onesel… --- ## [Hermit or Monk](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/hermit-or-monk/1469)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2024, 2:54pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/hermit-or-monk/1469 "2024-11-22T14:54:57Z")
What should I become, a hermit or a monk? I’m inspired by hermits such as Sumedha, Temiya, etc, and I want to live the kind of ascetic life that they live. However, there is also the monk life which has its own benefits … [Next page](https://classicaltheravada.org/c/sila-morality/11.md?page=1)