Circle 2: Living Skillfully - Ethics
Morality or Ethics includes:
Ethics in Buddhism is defined as not bringing suffering to others. (like the Golden Rule) Buddhism does not have “Original Sin”. It has the opposite I might call ‘original goodness’. We are born ‘good’ but then the conditioning of our lives causes us to make bad ethics choices. Once that conditioning is broken through and selflessness is experienced, you will naturally be more inclined to live ethically and not cause harm to others because there are no ‘others’. Hurting someone else is hurting yourself.
However, do not expect this to be always true. Do not expect an Awakened person to be 100% ethical. There are many instances where highly regarded Spiritual Teachers have had ethical issues - particularly the abuse of power.
Ethics in Buddhism is not dictated by an outside source as in the Ten Commandments. There is no Hell in Western Buddhism. Skillful ethics are important because:
Doing ‘unskillful’ things pollutes the mind and makes it harder to meditate, live calmly and peacefully, and experience insights including Awakening.
Doing things ethically makes the world a better place - including for you. Western Buddhists do not subscribe to Karma and being reborn in better circumstances. They prefer to take karma as a moment to moment idea similar to ‘that what you sow, so shall you reap’. Mahayana Buddhism particularly emphasizes ethical engagement to reduce suffering in the world.
Right Intention and motivation is key. It is our intention and motivation even more than the outcome. If we think we are doing the ‘right’ thing but we are doing it for the wrong reasons (stroking our ego) it can blow up in our face. Alternately, even with the best intentions things can go wrong - like the surgeon trying to save a life but the patient dies. The true intention is as (or more) important than the act itself.
As you become more mindful you see your intentions better. I ask myself now “Why am I doing this?. Is the Self somehow involved?” For example, if you give someone something and they do not say “Thank You” does it make you angry? Something given with an expectation of a ‘reward’ is not a gift given freely.
Examples of Right Action/Conduct
Right Livelihood
Not slaughtering animals or working at jobs that force you to violate others. The idea of being a vegetarian depends on the person. Some Buddhists are, some Buddhists are not. I do not believe Buddhism says you should be a vegetarian. I have a hard time squaring allowing meat eating but expecting someone else to slaughter the animals. Seems incongruent.