In our asking what contribution Buddhism can make to a global ethic, it is useful to look at other non-Buddhist ethical values.
When we look like this we shall see what these traditions of ethics have in common with Buddhism and what is different. More important, we have a chance to see the different challenges that human beings have had to face in practicing ethical behavior and what pitfalls have presented themselves to those who want to establish ethical systems. As we look at different ethical systems we also look into meta-ethics, the ground on which ethics is based.
Traditional Judeo-Christianity maintains that God has created the universe and has established universal laws. In this view, when we look into things, we can see the purpose of God in everything. Judeo-Christianity maintains that an omnipotent and loving God created the universe for the human species to live in and then created the human species.
The universe has its purpose and its meaning; it is there for God to realize his purpose. Judeo-Christian ethics is based on this worldview. God is the institutor of human ethics. God says what is right and what is wrong, what we should do and what we are forbidden to do. The Ten Commandments come from God.
In Buddhism, the Five Precepts, which the Five Mindfulness Trainings are based on, don’t come from a decision of the Buddha but from observations made by the Buddha and by the community around him. The insights that come from that observation are the result of the practice of mindfulness. The awareness of the suffering brought about by killing is the result of mindfulness.
We are aware of the fact that wrong views, dualistic views, discrimination, misperception, anxiety, anger, and fear lead people to misunderstand and even kill each other, so we vow to practice the First Mindfulness Training to help us let go of wrong views. If we follow Right View and practice looking with the eyes of nonduality, the eyes of interbeing, we shall be able to protect the lives of humans and other species.
When we look like this we shall see what these traditions of ethics have in common with Buddhism and what is different. More important, we have a chance to see the different challenges that human beings have had to face in practicing ethical behavior and what pitfalls have presented themselves to those who want to establish ethical systems. As we look at different ethical systems we also look into meta-ethics, the ground on which ethics is based.
Traditional Judeo-Christianity maintains that God has created the universe and has established universal laws. In this view, when we look into things, we can see the purpose of God in everything. Judeo-Christianity maintains that an omnipotent and loving God created the universe for the human species to live in and then created the human species.
The universe has its purpose and its meaning; it is there for God to realize his purpose. Judeo-Christian ethics is based on this worldview. God is the institutor of human ethics. God says what is right and what is wrong, what we should do and what we are forbidden to do. The Ten Commandments come from God.
In Buddhism, the Five Precepts, which the Five Mindfulness Trainings are based on, don’t come from a decision of the Buddha but from observations made by the Buddha and by the community around him. The insights that come from that observation are the result of the practice of mindfulness. The awareness of the suffering brought about by killing is the result of mindfulness.
We are aware of the fact that wrong views, dualistic views, discrimination, misperception, anxiety, anger, and fear lead people to misunderstand and even kill each other, so we vow to practice the First Mindfulness Training to help us let go of wrong views. If we follow Right View and practice looking with the eyes of nonduality, the eyes of interbeing, we shall be able to protect the lives of humans and other species.
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