# Sīlabbata-parāmāsa (Clinging to Rites and Rituals as the Ultimate Refuge) > [!info] Sīlabbata-parāmāsa = [[Sila|Sīla]] + _vrata_ (religious restrictions) + _para_ **(ultimate)** + _Āsaya_ (āśraya) **(refuge)** ## Articles * https://spiritualessence.in/2025/02/26/what-is-paramasa/ > [!NOTE] Etymology ([source](https://spiritualessence.in/2025/02/26/what-is-paramasa/)) > * The Pali term “sīlabbata” is composed of two root words: > * **Sīla** (शील, sīla) – meaning moral conduct, virtue, discipline > * **Vata** (व्रत, vata) – meaning vow, practice, observance, ritual > * Etymological Breakdown of Paramāsa > * “**Para**” – meaning “beyond,” “external,” or “other.” > * “**Māsa**” – from the root mas, which can mean “touching,” “grasping,” “adhering,” or “contaminating.” > * From an etymological perspective, paramāsa doesn’t just mean simple attachment or adherence but rather a **distorted clinging**, a **deeply ingrained misapprehension** that corrupts one’s view and understanding. ## Suttas - AN3.78 Sīlabbatasutta ([link](https://suttacentral.net/an3.78/en/sujato)) - Ananda on Silabbata