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ETHICS
Buddhism: The Means
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH: ETHICS SECTION
The Eightfold Path is the core of Buddhist practice and
lifestyle. Split into three sections: Wisdom, Ethics, and
Meditation.
The Ethics section covers:
• Right Speech (no gossip / idle chat / lying)
• Right Action (being useful/helpful)
• Right Livelihood (a good / helpful job)
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH: ETHICS SECTION
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Compassion is a central value to Buddhists – it underpins all belief and action.
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Ahimsa = non-violence and respect for life.
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Metta = loving-kindness (compassion for all creatures).
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Using skilful means.
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Gaining good kamma (to enable a better rebirth).
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Altruism = putting others first as based on compassion and as seen in the
Bodhisattva ideal of Mahayana Buddhism.
RIGHT SPEECH
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How many times have you said something you later regret?
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How many times has someone said something that hurt you?
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Right speech means not:
• Talking rubbish
• Gossiping
• Being nasty/mean
• Choosing your words with care so you don’t hurt anyone
RIGHT ACTION
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Right action can sometimes be translated as "right conduct". As such, a Buddhist should
try not to act in ways that would be corrupt or bring harm to themselves or others. In
other words the Five Precepts:
• Not to harm living beings.
• Do not take anything that is not given.
• Do not engage in sexual misconduct.
• Do not engage in false speech.
• Not to take intoxicants that cloud the mind.
RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
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This means that Buddhists should not work in trades or occupations which, either directly
or indirectly, result in harm for other living beings.
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This includes:
• Manufacture or trade in weapons.
• Trading in human beings: slave trading, prostitution.
• Farming or trading in meat products.
• Manufacture or trade of intoxicants: making or selling alcoholic drinks or recreational
drugs.
• Business in poison: producing or trading in any kind of poison or a toxic product
designed to kill.