Śīla (Sanskrit) or sīla (Pāli) in Buddhism and its non-sectarian offshoots, is one of three sections of the Noble Eightfold Path, and is a code of conduct that embraces a commitment to harmony and self-restraint with the principle motivation being non-violence, or freedom from causing harm. It has been variously described as virtue, right conduct, morality, moral discipline and precept.

Sīla is an internal, aware, and intentional ethical behavior, according to one's commitment to the path of liberation. The Sanskrit and Pali word sīla is an ethical compass within self and relationships, rather than what is associated with the English word "morality" (i.e., obedience, a sense of obligation, and external constraint - all of which are quite foreign to the concept of sīla as taught by Gautama the Buddha). In fact, the commentaries explain the word sīla by another word, samadhana, meaning "harmony" or "coordination."

Sīla is one of the three practices foundational to Buddhism and the non-sectarian Vipassana movement — sīla, samādhi, and paññā as well as the Theravadin foundations of sīla, dana, and bhavana. It is also the second pāramitā. Though some popular conceptions of these ethics carry negative connotations of severe discipline and abstinence, sīla is more than just avoiding the unwholesome.

Silas Malafaia (born August 20, 1962) is a Brazilian televangelist. He is a very known televangelist and is married to Elizete Malafaia. This same program is also broadcast to more than 150 countries. In the United States, it is transmitted by CTNI, and in Europe and Africa, by TV Manasat 1. In 2009, he bought a private jet to travel. He is also a creationist.

See New York Times article of November 26, 2011 The Saturday Profile: Evangelical Leader Rises in Brazil's Culture Wars - By SIMON ROMERO

Silas Malafaia has recently attracted the most attention with his pointed verbal attacks on leaders of Brazil's movement for gay rights and proponents of abortion rights. Go to NY Times article