Right Action
The fourth factor of the Noble Eightfold Path is Right Action. This consists of abstaining from killing, abstaining from stealing and abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse.
Abstaining from Killing
Abstaining from killing encompasses human beings, animals and insects. Implicit is a respect for the life of all beings and a desire for their welfare: ‘Without stick or sword, conscientious, full of sympathy, he is desirous of the welfare of all living beings’. To kill is to bring suffering to another, but ultimately to bring suffering to oneself too. In one of the early scriptures killing is said to lead to ‘acute pain, disaster, bodily injury, or even grievous sickness, or loss of mind’ and, on death, rebirth in one of the Buddhist hells.
The Buddha urges us to recognize that life is precious to all: ‘comparing others with oneself, one should neither kill not cause to kill’.
Moreover, ‘whoever seeking his own happiness, harms with rod pleasure-loving beings gets no happiness hereafter.’ In short, there is nothing to be gained from killing.
Abstaining from Stealing
Similarly, stealing leads to the suffering of others and also oneself. Whilst Buddhism sees little value in materialistic acquisition for its own sake, at the same time it urge us to respect the property and possessions of others. Instead of stealing, the Buddha urges us to be liberal with our wealth, to use it for the good of others and to give generously.
Abstaining from Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
Abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse is described in the scriptures as follows: ‘He has no intercourse with such persons as are still under the protection of father, mother, brother, sister or relatives, nor with married women, nor female convicts, nor lastly, with betrothed girls.’ Most of these apply in the modern context. Sex with minors, for example, is forbidden, as is sex with those who are engaged or married or already in relationships. Faithfulness and respect for the feelings of others are key features of the Buddhist approach to sexual relationships.