Part D: Good Conduct & Moral Principles

Question 1

Importance of Good Moral Conduct (5)

Answer 1

Benefit yourself and others
Result in good karma & a better rebirth
Helps others & reduces suffering
Section of 8 fold path
Better chance of escaping Samsara

Question 2

Key Teachings of Moral Conduct (5)

Answer 2

5 Precepts
8 Fold Path
6 Paramitas
Extra rules for monks and nuns in Vinaya
Theravada: 8 Fold Path & 5 Precepts
Mahayana: 6 Paramitas

Question 3

Importance of Intention: KUSALA (3)

Answer 3

Beneficial to oneself and others
Generate good karma
Generated by generosity, compassionate love & wisdom

Question 4

Importance of Intention: AKUSALA (3)

Answer 4

Not beneficial to oneself or others
Generate bad karma
Generated by greed, hatred & ignorance

Question 5

Importance of Intention (3)

Answer 5

Kusala actions motivated by good intentions
Intention motivates good and bad karma
Found in 8 Fold Path

Question 6

Nature of the 5 Precepts: NUMBER ONE (3)

Answer 6

Avoid harming other living things
- any sentient being
- doesn’t include plants
- metta

Question 7

Nature of the 5 Precepts: NUMBER TWO (2)

Answer 7

Avoid taking thing that aren’t given
- stealing and also gambling
- Dana

Question 8

Nature of the 5 Precepts: NUMBER THREE (2)

Answer 8

Avoid sensual misconduct
- any overindulgence of any sensual kind
- adultery, incest, prostitution, gluttony

Question 9

Nature of the 5 Precepts: NUMBER FOUR (2)

Answer 9

Avoid false speech
- lying, deceiving, slander, gossiping, spreading rumours
- Right Speech

Question 10

Nature of the 5 Precepts: NUMBER FIVE (2)

Answer 10

Avoid taking substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness
- drugs, alcohol
- Right Mindfulness

Question 11

Features of the 6 Paramitas: NUMBER ONE (3)

Answer 11

Generosity (Dana)
- of spirit
- giving from sincere desire to benefit others
- not expectation of reward or recognition

Question 12

Features of the 6 Paramitas: NUMBER TWO

Answer 12

Morality (Sila)
- not about following rules to a ‘t’ but as a guide for us to find out own balance
- develop selfless compassion

Question 13

Features of the 6 Paramitas: NUMBER THREE (3)

Answer 13

Patience (Ksanti)
- able to withstand personal hardship
- patience w. others
- acceptance of truth

Question 14

Features of the 6 Paramitas: NUMBER FOUR (3)

Answer 14

Energy (Virya)
- make courageous, heroic effort to achieve enlightenment
- often thought of as having ‘faith’
- dedicate fearless efforts to benefit of others

Question 15

Features of the 6 Paramitas: NUMBER FIVE (3)

Answer 15

Meditation (Dhyana)
- discipline to cultivate mind
- concentration applied to achieve clarity and insight
- one of basis for wisdom

Question 16

Features of the 6 Paramitas: NUMBER SIX (3)

Answer 16

Wisdom (Prajna)
- direct and intimate realisation of sunyata
- ultimate perfection that includes all other perfections
- can’t be understood through meditation alone (practice of other perfections)

Question 17

Concept of Ahimsa: WHY DO PEOPLE USE VIOLENCE (2)

Answer 17

3 Poisons
Don’t understand anatta

Question 18

Concept of Ahimsa: HOW CAN WE CULTIVATE AHIMSA?

Answer 18

Cultivate 6 Paramitas

Question 19

Concept of Ahimsa: IMPORTANCE (5)

Answer 19

Reflected in first precept
Part of good ethical conduct
Will lead to generating good karma
Lead to more favourable rebirth
Buddha taught ahimsa