Shila  the Bangla word for 'exercise' or 'solution', generally means 'character' and is a religious rite of Buddhist monks. The rites and rituals which build up character are known as shila. According to Buddhist doctrines, the three means-samyak vak (speech), karma (action) and jivika (living)-of the eight means that lead to nirvana (salvation) are also known as sila. In fact, killing of animals, refraining from telling lies and harbouring malevolence, and brahmacharya (a life characterised by the reading of scriptures and abstinence from worldly pleasure), speaking the truth, leading a holy life etc are called sila. Achieving discipline in physical, mental and oral functions and the development of human character are the objectives of such rites. Sila embodies all good works and makes the passage to salvation easier. Sila, or good morale, is considered a virtue not only in buddhism, but also in other religions.

Sila are of two kinds-panchashila (five exercises) and astashila (eight exercises). Panchasila are the five moral tenets in Buddhism that Buddhadev introduced to build up the moral character of both people with families as well as ascetics. The five exercises prohibit the killing of animals, theft, adultery, telling lies and taking addictive drugs. It is an offence to commit these things or make other people commit them. But these exercises are independent of one another; a fault in one does not affect the others; one rather influences the other. According to Buddhist regulations, if any one of these principles is violated, the practitioner of a sila will be judged on the basis of his sins and virtues.

Buddhadev first indoctrinated Shresthi of Benares, the father of Kumar Yasha, to the panchasila. He was the first to receive the shila directly from Buddha. It is customary for Buddhists to practise panchasila in life. Although these are the basic principles of Buddhism, Buddhadev did not make them mandatory and did not say that deviation from the panchasila would exclude people from Buddhism. But he said that the practice of panchasila would bring in good for the practitioner and the inability to practise them would have bad consequences for the practitioner. In addition to building character, the practice of panchasila would also lead to future good.

Astasila are the eight rituals to be observed by Buddhists on festivities associated with the full moon, the new moon etc. These involve staying away from killing animals, stealing, adultery, telling lies, consuming liquor and drugs, taking afternoon meals, visiting musical programmes, beautification with wreaths or perfumed objects, and lying on high beds. [Binayendra Chaudhury]