There are three fundamental modes of training in Buddhist practice morality, concentration, and wisdom. The English word morality is used to translate into the pali term sila, although the Buddhist term contains its own particular connotations. The word sila, denotes a state of normalcy, a condition which is basically unqualified and unadulterated. When one practices sila, one returns to one's own basic goodness, the original state of normalcy, unperturbed and unmodified. Killing a human being, for instance, is not basically human nature; if it were, human beings would have ceased to exist a long time ago. A person commits an act of killing because he or she is blinded by greed, rage or hatred. Such negative qualities as anger, hatred, greed, ill will, and jealousy are factors that alter people's nature and make them into something other than their true self. To practice sila, is thus to train in preserving one's true nature, not allowing it to be modified or overpowered by negative forces.
The five precepts are also recited in pali, and their meanings are generally known to most Buddhists. In the following, the original pali text is given in italics, and the corresponding English translation is given side by side: