Siila - an Ancient Wisdom Decoded in Today’s Context

It is in the roots, not the branches, that a tree's greatest strength lies and this is equally true for humankind. As much as we have evolved, we find our strengths embedded in our roots. Often, we find our lives on the brink of chaos, mind aimlessly meandering through the unknown and we end up thinking things were better before. “Siila” is one such virtue that stems from our roots. Siila is an ancient concept, a moral compass for mining into our inner self and guiding our actions. The origin of the word ‘Siila’ goes back to 2500 years ago used in ancient ways of life and yet very relevant in the current times. Siila in simple words means moral discipline, one of the three stages along the eightfold path in Buddhism and the foundation of the non-sectarian Vipassana movement.

The Five Precepts

Buddha, the enlightened one promoted five precepts for laymen to follow which asks everyone to refrain from: taking life, refrain from taking what is not given, abstain from sexual misconduct, refrain from incorrect speech and finally refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. These principles are mistakenly perceived as possible only for monks and considered impractical for the common people to adopt in day to day lives. However, on the contrary, they are quite simple. We are well aware that our world today is struggling with a myriad of problems making our lives stressful. The world is changing dynamically and keeping the peace is only one of the many problems we face today. Life has become demanding than ever before. Well-being, peace, and security are threatened by the increasing chaos, disorder, and greed. In these weird times, the five precepts are as relevant today as years ago, if not more. They preach nothing more but to act appropriately.

This is what Siila is about: right speech, right action, and right livelihood

It is about leading a conscious life, about being mindful of our actions. Siila is about being honest within self and relationships. And in order to be mindful and honest, it is important to live with disciplined moral conduct. Siila is also, interpreted as samadhana, which means harmony or coordination, and following these precepts can help in creating a world with security, peace, and well-being. Religions across the world are founded on the common principles of love, care, and mutual respect. Moral conduct has been preached by leaders across cultures and beliefs. As a result, it is not surprising to see a continuous surge in seekers across the world from diverse cultures finding a common ground in the practice of meditation. With the surge, there has been also a rise in many teachers and practitioners promoting different techniques across the globe. What is common, is the fact, that meditation is not a result but an unending journey. Meditation is believed to be a tool to overcome evil and to be able to handle the sufferings wisely.

Launching Siila: a social force powered by collected enlightenments

With an aim to bring the best of these virtues, practices, and techniques wholesomely for everyone, the idea of “Siila” - a global digital platform for the meditative universe is designed. Founded by Aymar de Gunzburg, Siila is a social force powered by our collected enlightenments. It is a unique initiative to bring seekers, professionals, and practitioners together in global interactive space to further the cause of individual awakening and consciousness. The platform brings together the various elements of the meditative universe like religious leaders, philosophies, indigenous and tribal practitioners, networks of teachers, corporates, NGOs, mediation centers, and yogic communities. Siila helps with finding yoga classes near you, yoga teachers, yoga centers near you, meditation centers, online yoga classes, yoga teachers training, yoga training courses, yoga workshops, yoga events and so much more. Siila significantly reduces the seekers' time in getting access to customized quality material. One can now learn thousands of techniques, establish meaningful exchange with teachers and spiritual leaders across the globe, stay up to date on events, sitting groups, centers, and book classes, all on ONE single platform. Silla leverages best-in-class technology, enabling an amazing experience for the users.

"The Buddha said 'If a monk should frame a wish as follows: 'Let me travel through the air like a winged bird,' then must he be perfect in the precepts (Siila), bring his thoughts to a state of quiescence (Samadhi), practice diligently the trances (Jhana), attain to insight (Prajna) and be frequenter to lonely places.'"

The extent to which one can follow the five precepts of Siila will depend on multiple factors. But adopting them even with limitations will work a long way in making our world a better place. Because there is indeed no greater wealth in this world than peace of mind. We wish to let everyone be wealthy with abundant peace!

May peace be with you!