Moral And Ethical Teachings of Buddhism
The Use of Drugs and/or Alcohol: Buddhist teaching explains that happiness of the mind should be achieved through meditation and personal joys and experiences. Any intoxicant should be refrained from being used in order to “cheat” mental happiness. Enlightenment is not achieved through artificial means. It is only achieved by removing any obstruction of the mind through meditation and concentration.
Abortion: In Buddhism, all life is sacred. Abortion is considered by Buddhists an act of murder. This is because the unborn life of a child is still life nonetheless. Taking this life is unacceptable in the eyes of Buddhist’s. Buddhism instead teaches that conception of a child should be avoided if the parents of the child are unable to raise the child.
Death Penalty: Though no clear teachings relate to the subject, Buddhism is mainly about the preservation and care for all life. Punishment dealt in the form of death is not ideal, but there are no teachings that go against it. Life is still considered sacred to all Buddhists however. The intentional death of a person as a punishment for whatever crime does not bode well in regards to Buddhist belief. It is not a justified action in Buddhism. Just the same, it is not restricted by the religion either.
All in all, Buddhism has key themes that should be acknowledged if a Buddhist means to live a moral and ethical life. The first is to respect all forms of life. All life is sacred and should be esteemed. Whether it be other people, the nature and wildlife of the world or the unborn embryo of a child; all of these matter. A Buddhist follower must show high regards for any living being. A Buddhist believer must also learn to live a life that brings them closer to inner Enlightenment. Reaching full Enlightenment is not expected of all Buddhists. Their lives however should still be lived as if it is always pursued. This means to clear the mind of mental obstruction and sinful thoughts. A Buddhist must live a life that is fulfilling and purposeful. Buddhist believers are also expected to show compassion to others. Similar to Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhists must recognize that strife exists in the world. They must be able to show love to those who experience this strife and instead spread to them the intentions of love and joy.
Abortion: In Buddhism, all life is sacred. Abortion is considered by Buddhists an act of murder. This is because the unborn life of a child is still life nonetheless. Taking this life is unacceptable in the eyes of Buddhist’s. Buddhism instead teaches that conception of a child should be avoided if the parents of the child are unable to raise the child.
Death Penalty: Though no clear teachings relate to the subject, Buddhism is mainly about the preservation and care for all life. Punishment dealt in the form of death is not ideal, but there are no teachings that go against it. Life is still considered sacred to all Buddhists however. The intentional death of a person as a punishment for whatever crime does not bode well in regards to Buddhist belief. It is not a justified action in Buddhism. Just the same, it is not restricted by the religion either.
All in all, Buddhism has key themes that should be acknowledged if a Buddhist means to live a moral and ethical life. The first is to respect all forms of life. All life is sacred and should be esteemed. Whether it be other people, the nature and wildlife of the world or the unborn embryo of a child; all of these matter. A Buddhist follower must show high regards for any living being. A Buddhist believer must also learn to live a life that brings them closer to inner Enlightenment. Reaching full Enlightenment is not expected of all Buddhists. Their lives however should still be lived as if it is always pursued. This means to clear the mind of mental obstruction and sinful thoughts. A Buddhist must live a life that is fulfilling and purposeful. Buddhist believers are also expected to show compassion to others. Similar to Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhists must recognize that strife exists in the world. They must be able to show love to those who experience this strife and instead spread to them the intentions of love and joy.