Final answer:
In Buddhism, leading a moral life involves adherence to the Four Noble Truths and the practice of the Eightfold Path, encouraging actions that uphold dharma such as kindness and truthfulness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To lead a moral life in the Buddhist tradition means to follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The fourth truth is realized by understanding that one must engage in positive actions that promote dharma (the ethical and moral principles that govern the conduct of a person).
These actions should be in line with the teachings of the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
These actions contribute to the building of positive karma, which influences one's future rebirths and ultimately leads to enlightenment. In this context, dharma encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, truthfulness, and purity, as implied by the edict quoted in the question.
Buddhism places great emphasis on the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, which includes practicing compassion towards all beings. This is because all life is interconnected and valued in Buddhism, with the potential for any being to be reborn in different forms. The Eightfold Path shares similarities with calls for action in other traditions by promoting virtuous conduct and personal responsibility.