The next three steps in the Eightfold Path are the ethical aspect of the path. This is called sila in Sanskrit.  Sila, consists of Wise Speech, Wise Action and Wise Livelihood.

Lama Surya Das wrote, “Carlos Castaneda wrote that Don Juan talked about choosing “a path with heart,” (which is the title of one of Jack Kornfield’s books) – that in choosing a way of practice or a way of life, we should ask: Is this a path with heart? Is this one that I can follow and live according to, and live in harmony with the deepest longings of my heart?”

What is a path with heart? It is a path that not only includes speaking, acting and living ethically, but with compassion, lovingkindness and equanimity. It doesn’t include judgment and contempt as guiding principle’s, but rather wisdom and discernment and understanding.

Ajahn Jayasaro wrote, “the Buddha said that sila is the most beautiful adornment for a human being, it’s the only fragrance that is all-pervasive.”