The 3 Types of Good Conduct

Overview

When driven by wholesome roots (non-greed, non-hatred, non-delusion), the three doors of action produce good conduct (sucarita). Cultivating purity in these three areas is synonymous with the practice of basic morality and is a prerequisite for higher mental training.

The List

1. Kāyasucarita - Good bodily conduct: Abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.
2. Vacīsucarita - Good verbal conduct: Abstaining from lying, malicious speech, harsh speech, and frivolous chatter.
3. Manosucarita - Good mental conduct: Being free from covetousness, free from ill-will, and holding right view.

Textual References

• Canonical: Sucarita Sutta (AN 3.3) – The Buddha lists these three as the primary modes of wholesome kamma.
• Canonical: Sāleyyaka Sutta (MN 41) – Explains how these modes of conduct lead to rebirth in the heavenly realms.