Sila means Virtue. At the very minimum level it means the safeguarding of the five precepts. The abstinence from taking sentient life. The abstinence from taking that which'is not yours. The abstinence from sexual misconduct. The abstinence from uttering falsities. The abstinence from taking intoxicants. This is the minimum level of virtue that one must establish. However, if you want to establish a higher level of virtue then one has to get on to the control and guarding of speech. This means the abstinence from uttering harsh speech, idle chatter and malicious talk. It also means the abstinence from certain undesirable trades. It also means the control of greed and sorrow. It means the practice of right livelihood. That is the higher level of virtue.