Buddhism Good Moral Conduct

Question 1

What are the five moral precepts?

Answer 1

1. I undertake the training rule to abstain from killing.
2. I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given.
3. I undertake the training rule to avoid sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented drink that causes
   heedlessness (alcohol).

Question 2

What are the six perfections of Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer 2

Dāna pāramitā: generosity, giving of oneself – is an important
virtue.
Śīla pāramitā : virtue, morality, discipline, proper conduct – is
essential for to be a good person.
Kṣānti pāramitā: patience, tolerance, acceptance, endurance – are
important virtues.
Vīrya pāramitā: energy, diligence, vigour, effort – are needed to be
a perfectly moral being.
Dhyāna pāramitā: one-pointed concentration, contemplation – is an
essential part of morality.
Prajñā pāramitā: wisdom, insight – is a necessary
virtue for a morally perfect being.

Question 3

What is karuna?

Answer 3

Compassion

Question 4

What is metta?

Answer 4

Loving-Kindness

Question 5

What does kusala mean?

Answer 5

Wholesome or healthy

Question 6

What does akusala mean?

Answer 6

Unwholesome or Unhealthy

Question 7

What does ahimsa mean?

Answer 7

Non-violence

Question 8

What governs ethical and moral principles according to Buddhist teachings?

Answer 8

Ethical and moral principles are governed by examining whether a certain action, whether connected to body or speech, is likely to be harmful to oneself or to others

Question 9

How does Sangharakshita, head of the Triratana school of Buddhism, view the concept of skilfulness?

Answer 9

Sangharakshita has said that while intention is important in Buddhism, intention must be matched with a practical awareness of what will genuinely bring about positive results. He emphasizes that the path to hell is not paved with skilfulness, highlighting the importance of practicality and intelligence in moral decision-making.

Question 10

What example does Ajahn Sumedho provide to illustrate the concept of minimizing harm in Buddhist practice?

Answer 10

Ajahn Sumedho describes working in a difficult area of Thailand where there are many pirates and fishermen prone to harming and killing each other. He illustrates the skilfulness of minimizing harm by recognizing that absolute non-violence cannot always be achieved in such circumstances.

Question 11

What three extra precepts do monks have to follow?

Answer 11

To abstain from taking food at inappropriate times. This would mean following the tradition of
Theravada monks and not eating from noon one day until sunrise the next.
To abstain from dancing, singing, music and entertainments as wells refraining from the use of
perfumes, ornaments and other items used to adorn or beautify the person. Again, this and the next
rule.
To undertake the training to abstain from using high or luxurious beds are rules regularly adopted
by members of the Sangha and are followed by the layperson on special occasions.

Question 12

How many rules govern the Buddhist clergy, known as the Sangha, and what are they called?

Answer 12

The Sangha, consisting of males or Bhikkhus, is governed by 227 to 253 rules, while females or Bhikkhunis are governed by 290 to 354 rules, depending on the school or tradition. The first four rules for males and the first eight for females are known as Parajika or rules of defeat.

Question 13

What are the penalties for breaching the Parajika rules in the Buddhist clergy?

Answer 13

Breaching the Parajika rules, such as sexual intercourse, killing a human being, stealing leading to a prison sentence, or claiming miraculous powers, results in immediate expulsion from the Order for both males and females.

Question 14

How do the Theravada and Mahayana traditions differ in their interpretation of Buddhist rules?

Answer 14

The Theravada tradition tends to claim strict adherence to the rules, while the Mahayana tradition interprets them more flexibly. For example, the rule regarding fasting is interpreted by Mahayana Sangha as refraining from eating between mealtimes, rather than fasting from noon to sunrise, which might be impractical in cold climates.

Question 15

What was the original reason behind the rule regarding the timing of meals for Buddhist monks, and how does it relate to modern practice?

Answer 15

In the Buddha’s time, monks would collect food in the early morning to avoid disturbing villagers unnecessarily. Today, with food being brought to monasteries or prepared on-site, the original reason no longer applies. However, in some Theravadin countries, monks still go on early morning alms rounds, largely as a matter of tradition.

Question 16

How do the Mahayana Sangha and Theravada monks differ in their interpretation of the rule regarding handling gold and silver?

Answer 16

The Mahayana Sangha interprets the rule as avoiding the accumulation of riches that lead to greed, while the Theravada tradition tends to focus more on literal adherence, though many monks carry credit cards and cheque books while avoiding physical coins.

Question 17

What are the Buddhist attitudes to war?

Answer 17

Non-violence (Ahimsa): Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a fundamental principle in Buddhism.
Compassion is central to Buddhist teachings, emphasizing understanding and empathy for all sentient beings not cause immense suffering and destruction.

Buddhists believe in the law of karma, which suggests that actions have consequences. Engaging in violent acts is seen as creating negative karma

Buddhism places a strong emphasis on the inherent value of all life. Therefore, the indiscriminate killing that often accompanies war and the use of weapons of mass destruction is viewed as deeply problematic.

Engagement in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

Question 18

What is the Buddhist attitude to embryo and the unborn child?

Answer 18

Central to Buddhist ethics is a deep respect for all forms of life. This principle suggests that embryos, as potential sentient beings, should be regarded with care and consideration.

In the context of embryo research, considerations of the potential suffering of embryos.

Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of intention in ethical decision-making e.g. promoting health and alleviating suffering

Question 19

What are the Buddhist attitudes to the use of animals?

Answer 19

Respect for Sentient Beings
Principle of Non-Harm (Ahimsa)
Karma and Rebirth
Buddhist teachings emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living beings.
Some adopt Vegetarianism and Veganism to show compassion
They may advocate for ethical treatment and humane practices in industries that involve animals, and may avoid supporting activities that involve animal exploitation or cruelty.