The Ethics of Buddhism

The book is divided into two major parts. Book I establishes the historical, doctrinal, and classificatory foundation of Buddhist ethics. “Introduction” compares the Buddha with other major teachers and highlights Buddhism’s moral orientation. “Short Account of the Buddha’s Life” presents the Buddha’s renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon, missionary activity, major conversions, institutional development, and final passing. “Outlines of Indian Thought previous to the Rise of Buddhism” examines Vedic gods, Brahmanical ritualism, caste, asceticism, philosophical speculation, Upaniṣadic thought, and the Buddhist shift from ceremonialism to moralism. “Classification of Buddhist Morality” arranges Buddhist moral teaching into meaningful categories, while “Characteristics of Buddhist Morality” identifies its practical, rational, universal, and discipline-oriented nature. Book II develops the ethical content through chapters on self-restraint, abstinence, temperance, contentment, patience, celibacy, chastity, purity and purification, humility, benevolence, liberality, reverence, gratitude, toleration, veracity, righteousness, and conclusion. The work also includes a bibliography and index, supporting further academic study of Buddhist moral philosophy.