Ethical Aspect of Buddhism
By Yajneshwar S. Shastri
Summary
Ethical Aspect of Buddhism Yajneshwar 5. Shastri Buddhist ethics can be summarized in one verse બ Lord Buddha in ‘Dhammapada - ‘ "The giving up all evil, The cultivating of the good, The cleansing of the one's mind, This 15 the Buddha's teaching.” That means, avoid evil, do good, and purify the mind. This is the teaching of Buddha. [Sabbapapassa akaranam, kusalassa upasampada. Sacittapariyodapanam etam Buddhanusasanam. V.183]. _ Essentially according to Buddhist teaching, the ethical and moral principles are governed by examining whether a certain action, whether connected to body or speech is likely to be harmful to one's self or to others and thereby avoiding any actions which are likely to be harmful. In Buddhism, there is much talk of a skilled mind. A mind that is skilful avoids actions that are likely to cause suffering or remorse. Morality in Buddhism is essentially practical in that it is only a means leading to the final goal of ultimate happiness. On the Buddhist path to emancipation, each individual 15 considered responsible for his own fortunes and misfortunes. Each individual is expected to work his own deliverance by his understanding and effort. Buddhist liberation or Nirvana is the result of one's own moral development and can neither be imposed nor granted to one by some external agent. The Buddha's mission was to enlighten men as to the 32 Yajneshwar 5. Shastri : SAMBODHI nature of existence and to advise them how best to act for their own happiness and for the benefit of others. Consequently, Buddhist ethics is not founded on any commandments which men are compelled to follow. The Buddha advised men on the conditions which were most wholesome and conducive to long term benefit for self and others. , Morality is the preliminary stage on the path to attain perfect state of equanimity. In advising young Rahula Buddha gives perfect moral code and criterion of morality : "If there 15 a deed, Rahula, you wish to 00, reflect thus: Is this deed conducive to my harm, or others' harm, or to that of both ? Then is this a bad deed entailing suffering. From such a deed, you must desist. If there is deed you wish to do, reflect thus : Is this deed not conducive to my harm, or to others' harm or to that of both ? Then is this a good deed entailing happiness. Such a
Conclusion
not perfect by nature. He has to train himself to be good. Thus, morality becomes the most important aspect of living. Buddhist ethics finds its foundztion not on the changing social customs but rather on the unchanging laws of nature. Buddhist ethical values are intrinsically a part of nature, and the unchanging law of “cause and effect [Karma]. The simple खिल that Buddhist ethics are rooted in - natural law makes its principles both usefil and acceptable to the modern world. The fact that Buddhist ethical code was formulated over 2500 years ago does not detracted from its timeless character.