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The Concept of Ethics in Buddha Philosophy as Heterodox
The universal Noble Eightfold Path is an ethical principle in Buddha's philosophy. Nirvana is a state of mind or being in which one simultaneously realizes one’s true identity, which is infinite and eternal, the illusory nature of the world, perfect bliss, and equanimity. There is no separate existence of “God” who is the arbiter of ethical action and soul (flow of the mental states) and also a stream of changeable consciousness in mainstream Buddhism. Rather, it is a common psycho-spiritual law that certain behaviors promote nirvana and abate suffering while others impede nirvana and bring about suffering. It is in these terms that an act or sequence of acts is usually deemed moral or immoral i.e. ethical or unethical. From an enlightened mind ethical behavior, both leads to and runs. As ethics Lord Buddha advised his disciples to abstain from (a) harming living beings, (b) taking things not freely given, (c) sexual misconduct, (d) false speech, and (e) intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness (knierim). These five virtues are the most vital and significant while there are up to ten precepts for lay practitioners and sometimes hundreds for ordained monks. These Noble Eightfold paths generally fall into three types. The first two tend toward nurturing knowledge (jnana), the middle three toward ethical conduct, and the latter three toward psychological (manosik) development. Among the Noble Eightfold Path of Right, Speech is abstinence from lying, deception, slander, and idle chatter. In a positive way, Buddha promotes speaking only when necessary, and with honesty, mindfulness, and loving-kindness. Right action generally entails the first three points of the five precepts listed above. The emphasis is to behave so as not to harm any sentient being physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Right livelihood follows from right action in that one ought to make their living in a peaceful way. Buddha listed four occupations that ought to be avoided for their promotion or consonance of harmful behavior (a) arms trading (2) dealing in living beings (3) meat products such as butchery, and (4) dealing in intoxicants and poisons.
Published by: Dr. Monoranjan Das
Author: Dr. Monoranjan Das
Paper ID: V8I3-1269
Paper Status: published
Published: May 16, 2022
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