Editing Theravada (section)

===Moral conduct===
Giving (Dana) is an important Buddhist virtue. The community of monastics is seen as the most meritorious field of karmic fruitfulness.

[[Buddhist ethics|Sīla]], meaning moral conduct, is mainly defined as [[right speech]], [[Noble Eightfold Path#Right action|right action]], and [[right livelihood]]. It is primarily understood through the doctrine of [[Karma in Buddhism|kamma]]. In Theravāda, one's previous intentional actions strongly influence one's present experience. Whatever intended actions are carried out will have future consequences, whether in this life or subsequent lives.<ref>Crosby, 2013, p. 113.</ref> Intention is central to the idea of kamma. Actions done with good intentions, even if they have bad results, will not have negative kammic consequences.

Several sets of precepts or moral trainings (''sikkhāpada'') guide right action. After taking [[Refuge (Buddhism)|Refuge]] in the Triple Gems, lay Theravādin Buddhists traditionally take the [[Five precepts]] (whether for life or for a limited time) in the presence of Sangha.<ref>Crosby, 2013, p. 116.</ref> Laypeople also sometimes take an extended set of [[Eight precepts]], which includes chastity during sacred days of observance such as [[Uposatha]].

Performing good deeds is another important feature of Theravādin Buddhist ethics. Doing so is said to make "merit" ([[Merit (Buddhism)|puñña]]), which results in a better rebirth. The "ten wholesome actions" is a common list of good deeds:<ref>Crosby, 2013, 118–119.</ref>

# Generosity (Dāna); This typically involves providing monks with "the four requisites"; food, clothing, shelter, and medicine; however, giving to charity and the needy is also considered dāna.
# Moral conduct (Sīla); Keeping the five precepts and generally refraining from doing harm.
# Meditation (Bhāvanā).
# Dedication of merit; doing good deeds in the name of someone who has passed away or in the name of all sentient beings.
# Rejoicing in merit of good deeds done by others, this is common in communal activities.
# Rendering service to others; looking after others or needy.
# Honoring others; showing appropriate deference, particularly to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and to seniors and parents. Usually done by placing the hands together in [[Añjali Mudrā]], and sometimes bowing.
# [[Dharma talk|Preaching or sharing the Dhamma]]; the gift of Dhamma is seen as a form of highest gift. (Dhammapada 354)
# Listening to Dhamma
# Having right view or Sammādiṭṭhi; mainly the [[Four Noble Truths]] and the [[three marks of existence]].