Teachings of the Buddha: the Religion of Buddhism - Essay Example

Referring to The Teachings of the Buddha, name two passages and how they relate to personal, professional, and public ethics.

One of the passages that relate to personal ethics is this: “Wakefulness is the way of life…How happy he is! For he sees that wakefulness is life!...” (from the Dhammapada translated by Byrom as qt. in Kornfield 1). When I am wakeful, I am aware of who I am and what I am doing in relation to the effects of my actions on others and my environment. Wakefulness is important to be mindful of my impacts on others. In addition, this passage is related to professional and public ethics: “A person of wisdom should be truthful, without arrogance, without deceit, not slanderous and not hateful” (adapted from the Sutta-Nipata translated by Saddhatissa as qt. in Kornfield 3). This is related to professional ethics because it emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in doing our jobs. It reminds people of the wisdom of being honest in all our roles and responsibilities as professionals. It is also related to public ethics because public employees should serve without malice and deceit. They should do their jobs with honesty and integrity.

Does the moral framework of Buddhism work within some of our public good topics? (Topics include: voting, right to privacy, public policy, etc.)
The moral framework of Buddhism works within some of our public topics because it highlights moral responsibilities for truthfulness and mindfulness that are important, such as when voting and public policy. For example, we have to be mindful when voting and be critical of whom we are selecting as our public officials because they are going to make important decisions with our taxpayers’ money and the power we give to them. Public policy also needs truthfulness in being sincere in serving people’s real needs and mindfulness in being aware of how every decision impacts different stakeholders. The moral framework of Buddhism can help citizens and politicians become more aware of their roles and responsibilities and how they can work together in solving social problems and achieving economic and social growth and development.