BUDDHIST ETHICS

PHIL 110 

1. Dharma

a. Cosmic Law/Natural Law (no God)
b. Teachings of the Buddha--from his Enlightenment

2. 4 Noble Truths

a. Dukkha
b. Craving
c. Cessation
d. The Path

3. 8-Fold Path
a. “Right”/”Correct” View--INSIGHT/WISDOM
b. Resolve/Intention

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c. Speech--MORAL VIRTUE
d. Action
e. Livelihood

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f. Effort--MEDITATION
g. Mindfulness
h. Meditation

4. Karma
a. Embody Dharma
b. Good Karma--Happiness, Good Rebirth, Nirvana

5. Merit
a. Bank Account Buddhism

6. 5 Precepts
a. Not Kill
b. Not Steal
c. No Sexual Misconduct
d. No Lying/Speaking Falsehoods
e. No Intoxicants

7. Vinaya--Discipline
a. Pratimosksa--Monastic Rules--for Monks & Nuns

8. Virtues--to counter Vices and Negative Dispositions (Klesas)
a. 3 “Cardinal Virtues” and 3 Poisons
b. Non-Attachment--Greed
c. Benevolence--Hatred
d. Understanding--Delusion
e. Compassion/Karuna
f. 4 “Divine Abidings”: Loving Kindness; Compassion; Sympathetic Joy; Equanimity

9. Dana--Giving, Generosity

10. Ahimsa--Non-Violence, Non-Harm

11. Arhat (Theravada Saint) vs. Bodhisattva (Mahayana Wisdom & Compassion)
a. 6 Perfections of Bodhisattva: Generosity, Morality, Patience, Perseverance; Meditation, Insight (from 8-Fold Path)
b. 3 Levels of Mahayana Ethics:
i. Moral Discipline--following Precepts/Self-Discipline
ii. Cultivation of Virtue--cultivating good qualities of character
iii. Altruistic Conduct--moral action directed toward the wellbeing of others

12. Upaya--Skillful Means
a. Tantric (Vajrayana) Exceptions--Alcohol & Sex