Buddhist ethics

Description: “For more than a quarter of a century, those in search of an introduction to Buddhist moral thought have turned and returned to this little volume…” Thus notes Charles Hallisey of Harvard University in his introduction. Starting with an examination of classical Greek notions of ethics, Venerable Saddhatissa goes on to explain the development of Buddhist moral codes and their practical application. In this work, Venerable Saddhatissa starts with an examination of Western notions of ethics, beginning with the early Greek philosophers and moving on to show us how the study of morality is crucial to a clear understanding of the Buddhist tradition. Drawing on a vast array of Buddhist scriptures, Venerable Saddhatissa explains the development and position of Buddhist precepts from a traditional perspective, while simultaneously offering clear and practical advice on how best to live the moral life of a lay Buddhist practitioner. Throughout Buddhist Ethics, Venerable Saddhatissa always keeps us in touch with the pragmatic uses of Buddhist moral practices, not only as a way to live in harmony with the world, but as an indispensable aspect of the path to the Buddhist’s highest spiritual goal. -- from back cover

Table of Contents: Preface to the third edition
Preface to the second edition
Introduction
1 DEFINITIONS AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Scope of the Study of Ethics
Indian Thought in the Sixth Century B.C.E.
2 ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE HIGHEST STATE
The Enlightenment of the Buddha
Life of Gotama Buddha
The Chain of Dependent Origination or Paticcasamuppada
The Self and the Anatta Doctrine
The Three Characteristics of Existence
The Mahakaruna of the Buddha
3 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REFUGES
The Threefold Refuge
The First Refuge: The Buddha
The Second Refuge: The Dhamma
The Third Refuge: The Sangha
4 SANCTIONS OF MORAL CONDUCT: THE PRECEPTS
The Five Precepts (Panca Sila)
The Eight Precepts (Attha Sila)
The Ten Precepts (Dasa Sila)
5 THE UNDERLYING IDEALS OF THE MORALITIES
Relating the Precepts to the Refuges
Position of the Laity in Early Buddhism
The Buddha's Approach to Teaching the Moralities
Advice to the Individual Layman
6 THE LAYMAN'S DUTIES TO HIS ASSOCIATES
Children and Parents
Husband and Wife
Friends
Teacher and Pupil
Servants and Workpeople
Duties Connected with Means of Livelihood
7 THE LAYMAN'S RELATION TO THE STATE
8 THE ULTIMATE GOAL
Statements of the Aim
Nirvana, Nibbana
Freeing of Mind, Freeing of Insight
Origin of Attainment

FY2022 /