Buddhism is a religion that is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, who lived in the 5th century BC. One of the key aspects of this religion is its emphasis on ethics and morality, which are known as Śīlā or sīla in Pālī. These terms refer to a code of conduct that is based on the Buddha's enlightened perspective and promotes harmony, equanimity, and self-regulation. The core principle of this code is non-violence, or the absence of causing harm to others. Regardless of the branch of Buddhism, moral life is highly valued.
Buddhists believe in virtues such as non-violence and compassion, and they follow the principle of treating others as they would like to be treated themselves. Despite the diversity within Buddhism, there are many common points among its different branches. For instance, both Zen and Tibetan Buddhism trace their origins back to the values taught by the Buddha.
Understanding Dharma, Vinaya, and Karma
In Buddhism, ethics are not based on a concept of sin like in Christianity. Instead, they are focused on maintaining social harmony.However, with the influence of Westernization, some Buddhist countries have adopted stricter attitudes towards morality in the 19th and 20th centuries. This distinction between ethics and morality is based on the idea that ethics require justifications, while morality is simply a statement about good and evil without any explanation. Traditional Buddhism only has morality, not ethics, in this sense. However, some modern Buddhist scholars have attempted to provide justifications for moral principles by borrowing from Western ethical principles. In this article, we will explore the main teachings, precepts, and moral virtues that are common among the different schools of Buddhism.
The Common Moral Core of Buddhism
Despite the differences in practices and customs, it is safe to say that all branches of Buddhism share a common moral core that is based on the teachings of the Buddha.This core has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. One of the central aspects of this moral core is the five precepts that are followed by lay Buddhists all over the world. The monastic community also has its own set of rules and regulations known as Vinaya.Buddhist moral beliefs are based on the cosmic principle of Dharma, which includes the law of karma. Similar to science, karma is objective, but it is not devoid of values.
Karma refers to the consequences, both good and bad, that result from our voluntary actions and moral choices.
The Importance of Virtues in Buddhist Morality
Following the precepts is not the only dimension of Buddhist morality. There are also several important virtues, motivations, and habits that are widely promoted in Buddhist texts and traditions. These include compassion, generosity, patience, and mindfulness. These virtues are seen as essential for leading a moral life and achieving enlightenment. It is worth noting that Buddhist communities in Western countries, as well as in Japan, generally tend to be more accepting of homosexuality compared to other religions.This is because many modern Buddhists believe that compassion is at the heart of Buddhist ethics, making it superior to other moral principles.
