The importance of practicing sila (virtue) cannot be understated. To me it is the cornerstone of our practice as lay people. It is as important to practice sila as it is to meditate regularly. In fact, I would venture to say that in order to practice meditation with any great success, one is required to practice sila. In reading the Kimattha Sutta, I found the Buddha's words resonated within me. The key to putting the Dhamma into practice is to eliminate remorse. Remorse clings to the past, makes the mind restless and impossible to concentrate. To eliminate remorse makes possible all the benefits of the Dhamma.