Buddhist Ethics: The Path to Nirvana

The book is organized into eight chapters. Chapter One, “Definitions and Historical Background,” introduces the scope of ethics and places Buddhist moral thought within the intellectual and religious environment of ancient India. Chapter Two, “Origin and Source of Knowledge of the Highest State,” examines the Enlightenment of the Buddha, the life of Gotama Buddha, dependent origination, the self and anattā doctrine, the three characteristics of existence, and the Buddha’s mahākaruṇā or great compassion. Chapter Three, “The Significance of the Refuges,” explains the Threefold Refuge and the meaning of going for refuge to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha. Chapter Four, “Sanctions of Moral Conduct: The Precepts,” studies the Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, and Ten Precepts as foundations of Buddhist discipline. Chapter Five, “The Underlying Ideals of the Moralities,” relates the precepts to the refuges, discusses the place of the laity in early Buddhism, examines the Buddha’s approach to teaching morality, and presents advice to the individual layperson. Chapter Six, “The Layman’s Duties to His Associates,” discusses ethical responsibilities toward children, parents, husband, wife, friends, teachers, pupils, servants, workpeople, and livelihood. Chapter Seven, “The Layman’s Relation to the State,” considers the social and civic dimensions of Buddhist ethics. Chapter Eight, “The Ultimate Goal,” presents Nirvāṇa/Nibbāna, freedom of mind, freedom of insight, and the origin of attainment as the culminating aim of Buddhist ethical practice.