Shila

Shila, in its Sanskrit and Pali forms sīla or śīla, means moral virtue, ethical conduct, or discipline. It is a foundational concept in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, where it denotes the moral training that accompanies meditation and wisdom. In Buddhist traditions, sīla is often described as the groundwork of practice, and lay followers typically observe five precepts, while monastics follow a larger code within the Vinaya. The term emphasizes intentional action, restraint, and integrity as prerequisites for spiritual development.

As a given name, Shila is used in parts of South Asia and beyond, often with Sanskrit roots. The name is commonly linked to the idea of virtue or discipline, though interpretations can vary by language and culture. It is found among speakers of Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, and other languages, and can function as a stand-alone given name or as part of compound forms.

Notable contemporary bearer include Shila Amzah (Shila Amzah Zahid), a Malaysian singer and actress born in 1990, who performs under the stage name Shila Amzah. The name’s usage today reflects both its religious meaning and its adoption as a personal name across diverse communities.