In short: right action is the fourth factor of the Noble Eightfold Path. The Buddha defined it as "refraining from killing living creatures, stealing, and unchastity" (SN 45.8). For lay people, the last is usually understood as refraining from sexual misconduct, as in the five precepts.
The Buddha's definition
"And what is right action? Refraining from killing living creatures, stealing, and unchastity. This is called right action."
SN 45.8 · One of the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path, the Middle Way.
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Right action and the precepts
For monks and nuns, "unchastity" means any sexual activity. For lay people, the matching precept is to refrain from sexual misconduct: causing harm or betrayal through sex. Together with not killing and not stealing, these are the first three of the five precepts.
In modern life
- Not killing: extends naturally to not harming. (Buddhism and animals)
- Not stealing: includes cheating, overcharging, taking time or credit that isn't yours.
- No sexual misconduct: honesty and faithfulness in relationships. (The Buddha on marriage)
The Buddha called keeping these a gift: "freedom from fear, enmity, and ill will" for countless beings. (The precepts as gifts)
The whole path
Right view · right intention · right speech · right action · right livelihood · right effort · right mindfulness · right immersion. Intention: right intention.
Try it
Start with a few minutes a day: Practice.
Questions people ask
What is right action in Buddhism?
'Refraining from killing living creatures, stealing, and unchastity' (SN 45.8). For lay people this corresponds to the first three of the five precepts.