Right conduct is the right kind of action. Right action is mentioned as ‘Samyak Karmant’ in Sanskrit and ‘Samyak Kammanto’ in Pali language. Whatever action a person does in this life with his mind, speech, and body – it becomes his conduct.
Man’s action is the most important determinant of his life. In all the teachings of the world, it is not only karma but the emphasis on doing karma properly, that is the right action. In the eightfold path that Lord Buddha taught to the world for liberation after attaining enlightenment- right action is a very important one.
A man’s actions are the determinants of his destiny. Right action teaches a person to keep his actions pure and morally right. Right action is a major part of the observance of modesty(the sila) in human life.
To ensure the observance of modesty in life, one has to adopt right speech, right Livelihood as well as the rules of right action. Three types of bad karmas must be avoided under right action.
killing
It is believed that in this world everyone’s life is important, from a small insect to a human being. All organisms have originated under a special process of creation. This process is eternal and universal – which everyone has to follow. When a man kills an organism, whether directly or indirectly it acts against that eternal law. All life is valuable in this world. Even the developed science so far does not have the ability to make even a leaf of the tree in natural form. Although science in artificial form can make anything. When a man cannot create life, he has no right to destroy any life.
Stealing
Stealing is prohibited karma, under which someone’s wealth, goods, or anything is obtained by means of fraud, lies, or deceit. Under this, things that are not someone’s own are tried to be obtained from others by improper or wrong means. The other person is harmed by the act of stealing and feels great pain – that’s why it is included in the category of bad karma. This bad karma brings a similar karma-fruit in return. A subtle aspect of this rule is that if we grab someone’s thing by deceit or on the basis of false promises or false things – then it is also considered a sinful act. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid this prohibited karma.
sexual misconduct
It is important to avoid illicit or immoral sexual relations and to practice celibacy in life or to remain faithful to your spouse. Unmarried man has to conduct celibacy. Whereas a married man or woman has to be honest and faithful to their life-partner. Sexual relations with someone unwillingly, sex with a minor, sex with an orphan, someone who is protected by a mother, father, or husband – sex with them is strictly prohibited. To betray your life partner is also adultery.
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