The characteristics of the Perfection of Ethical Conduct (śīla-pāramitā) are naturally inherent in the Bodhisattva’s nature. Their actions of body, speech, and mind are naturally gentle; they do not increase harmful deeds and take no pleasure in killing. If they should accidentally commit wrongdoing, they feel shame and remorse, swiftly repent and correct it, not allowing it to grow. They do not frighten living beings with sticks or weapons. Their character is kind and humane, always filled with loving-kindness.
They respect elders, greet and serve them, and skillfully understand what is appropriate in any situation, acting with adaptability. They are considerate of others’ feelings, always speaking with a smile, with a relaxed gaze, and take the initiative to greet and inquire after others. They remember kindness and repay it. They seek truth and uprightness, without pretense or deceit. They accept wealth that is righteously obtained, not through unwholesome means.
They naturally rejoice in cultivating all kinds of merit. Seeing others engaged in virtuous deeds, they even physically assist them, let alone practice themselves. If they see or hear of beings harming each other—beating, binding, cutting, slandering, or scolding, and other countless sufferings—their heart is filled with compassion. They value goodness in this life and happiness in the next, and even tremble at minor faults, let alone be unafraid of greater evils.
When others engage in farming, trading, herding, arithmetic, accounting, disputes, seeking wealth, guarding it, lending, giving, marriage, or gatherings, the Bodhisattva joins in all such lawful activities. But they do not participate in quarrels, mutual intimidation, or meaningless and harmful actions, whether for themselves or others. They are skilled at preventing the ten unwholesome deeds.
When serving others, they follow instructions properly. For matters they themselves should undertake, they seek advice from the wise. In various endeavors, they set aside their own interests to help others succeed. They always maintain a compassionate attitude, never giving rise to anger or harm. If resentment briefly arises, they quickly dispel it. They constantly practice truthful speech, never deceiving beings.
They do not create divisions among others, nor engage in idle chatter. Their words are always gentle, never harsh. Even toward their own servants they speak kindly, let alone toward others. They always delight in all virtuous qualities, and when they see others practicing them, they rejoice and praise them. Such is the essential nature of the Bodhisattva's Perfection of Ethical Conduct.