Ethical Teaching

I. Introduction

Ethical teaching guides adherents in their daily lives. Ethics is defined as

human moral conduct according to principles of what is good or right to do. Ethical
teaching is important to society because it provides a foundation for individuals to
navigate a complex and diverse world with tolerance and compassion. Ethical
teachings also provide invaluable insights into what it means to live a virtuous and
fulfilling life. It also serves as a guiding principle, offering frameworks for decision-
making, personal conduct, and societal harmony. In this presentation, we will find
out what will be insights of different religions on ethical teaching.

II. Discussion of the topic

Oriental or Eastern Ethics

There is only one moral law. However, this is interpreted by man in the
context of his culture, convictions, beliefs, and tradition. The One (Universal),
absolute, and immutable moral Law is not determined by man’s culture, beliefs,
religion, and tradition; it is only conditioned by all these. This is why we keep on
saying that the difference lies in the interpretation of the moral law. But it always
remains valid and true that the moral law comes not from man but from the absolute
and the Eternal whom we call God.

Buddhism

Buddhism (boodism) was founded by Shiddharta Gautama, the Buddha. It is

the second oldest religion in India. Buddha was originally a Hindu. Buddhism is
referred to as a religion of liberation. Ethics in Buddhism is an ethics which is
intended to relieve all forms of Human suffering. Suffering from old age, disease,
death, and the like. For the Buddha, the therapy for human suffering must be a
spiritual recourse. The spiritual cure lies in one’s acceptance of real life, that life
cannot be freed from suffering. Buddha is convinced "that the world is bad, that it is
the source of evil and of suffering for man."

Ethical Teaching of Buddhism

 For Buddha, every individual man has three characteristics and it

constitutes the truth of human suffering.
o 1. Dukkha (suffering)
o 2. Annata (impersonality or unsubstantiality)
o 3. Annica (inpermanence)
 To annihilate suffering, Buddha teaches his four Noble Truths which also
construed as Buddha's doctrine of the Middle way
o Life is permeated by suffering (dukkha)
 It is human truth that suffering is indeed, real in human life.
There is no human life if there is no suffering. Suffering is
part of being Human.
o The origin of suffering is craving (tanha)
 The question of the origin of Suffering, Buddha has forgotten
that not all forms of suffering are due to craving, for it is also
true that some suffering are given or inflicted by others
except, perhaps, if this others-inflicted-suffering is also noted
in craving.
o Suffering can be eliminated through the elimination of craving; and
 The Third Noble Truth suggests that if one wishes to
annihilate suffering, one should annihilate his craving
o The elimination of suffering is possible through the Eightfold Path
 The Eightfold Path
o Right understanding
 Right understanding means a right mental disposition on the
concreteness of human existence.
o Right thought
  Means that the mind must be free from impurities like ill will,
cruelty, and lust, among others.
o Right Speech
 Means that man should be vigilant with his words.
o Right Action
 Means the avoidance of killing, stealing, indulgence in
sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication in drugs
and alcoholic beverages.
o Right Livelihood
 Means the observance of a right occupation.
o Right Effort
 Is intended for self-perfection.
o Right Mindfulness
 Means the observance of the four fundamental elements of
mindfulness. Body, feelings, mind, and ideas.
o Right Concentration
 Refers to the mind's single objectiveness.
 In general, Buddhist ethics has two aspects, viz.: positive and negative.
Positive aspects require one to nurture good or to nurture a good attitude
towards life and the whole of reality. The negative aspects, on the other
hand, post the don'ts or avoidance of evil.
 Thus, the moral imperative or precepts on the destruction of life, namely:
Do not kill, steal, lie, and so on.
 If morality means wisdom and wisdom entails morality, it follows that
Buddhism as a philosophy means nothing else but ethics.

Hinduism

Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, encompasses a rich tapestry of

philosophical, spiritual, and ethical teachings but it has no official founder. At its
core, Hinduism emphasizes the pursuit of righteousness, moral duty, and spiritual
growth. Ethical living is considered integral to one's journey toward self-realization
and harmonious existence within the universe.

Origins of Hinduism

Most scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between 2300 B.C. and
1500 B.C. in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan. But many Hindus argue
that their faith is timeless and has always existed. The period when the Vedas were
composed became known as the “Vedic Period” and lasted from about 1500 B.C. to
500 B.C. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period.

Hinduism Beliefs and Symbols

Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. Most forms of Hinduism are

henotheistic, which means they worship a single deity, known as “Brahman,”. Hindus
believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and
reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect). One of the key
thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in the soul. One fundamental principle
of the religion is the idea that people’s actions and thoughts directly determine their
current life and future lives. Food is an important part of life for Hindus. Most don’t
eat beef or pork, and many are vegetarians. Hinduism is closely related to other
Indian religions, including Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. There are two primary
symbols associated with Hinduism, the om and the swastika. The word swastika
means "good fortune" or "being happy" in Sanskrit, and the symbol represents good
luck. The om symbol is composed of three Sanskrit letters and represents three
sounds (a, u, and m).

Ethical Teaching of Hinduism

 Central to Hindu ethics is the concept of Dharma, which refers to one's duty,
moral responsibility, and righteous conduct. The word dharma means many
things.
 The Vedas clearly state the connection between human conduct and the
kindness or cruelty of nature
 The Hindus believe in Samara is for purification
Key aspects of ethical teaching in Hinduism

 The five Yamas of Ancient Hindu Ethics

1. Ahimsa (non-violence)
 An ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things.
2. Satya (truth, non-falsehood)
 An ethical principle of being truthful in one’s thoughts, speech, and
actions.
3. Asteya (non-stealing)
 An ethical principle of not taking what does not belong to us, whether
material possessions, time, or other people's ideas or energy.
4. Brahmacharya (non-cheating on one’s partner if married)
 Refers to celibacy or the right use of sexual energy.
5. Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
 An ethical principle of non-attachment or non-greed. It encourages a
simple and balanced lifestyle.
 The five Niyamas of Ancient Hindu Ethics
1. Śauca
 Be pure in body, speech, and mind
2. Santosha (contentment)
 the practice of cultivating contentment and a sense of inner peace
regardless of external circumstances.
3. Tapas (perseverance, meditation)
 perform occasional penance, tapas, and sacrifice, remaining steadfast
in hardship and forbearing with people.
4. Svadhyaya (lifelong learning)
 study with an open mind the scriptures and books of wisdom.
5. Isvara Pranidhan (right attitude)
 Cultivate devotion through daily worship and meditation, giving
charitably without thought of reward.
Confucianism

Confucianism is one of the most influential religious philosophies in the

history of China, and it has existed for over 2,500 years. It is concerned with inner
virtue, morality, and respect for the community and its values.

Origin of Confucianism

Confucianism is a philosophy and belief system from ancient China, which

laid the foundation for much of Chinese culture. Confucius was a philosopher and
teacher who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. His thoughts on ethics, good behavior, and
moral character were written down by his disciples in several books, the most
important being the Lunyu.

Ethical Teaching of Confucianism

 Indian ethics is self-oriented while Chinese ethics is others-oriented

 Chinese philosophy means humanism
 Chinese philosophy is Che Shueh
o Shueh means study while Che means wisdom.
 Confucius stresses that man should harmonize himself with nature and this
harmony should be expressed actively through translating the Innate Laws of
nature into action.
 In Confucianism, the innate laws of nature are Ren, Yi, Zhong, Li, and Xiao.
o Ren means human-heartedness. For Confucius Ren is a basic virtue
that ought to be nurtured by every person.
o Yi means righteousness. It refers to the “oughtness” or the rightness of
an action in a given situation.
o Zhong the term often interpreted and translated as “loyalty” in English.
o Li which means propriety. It is Li that makes ethics, manners,
behaviors, and conduct.
 o Xiao means filial piety. This means respect, reverence, and honor of
one's parents, blood relatives, or family members as a whole.

Taoism

Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a Chinese philosophy attributed to Lao Tzu

(c. 500 BCE) which developed from the folk religion of the people primarily in the
rural areas of China and became the official religion of the country under the Tang
Dynasty. Taoism is therefore both a philosophy and a religion. It emphasizes doing
what is natural and "going with the flow" in accordance with the Tao (or Dao), a
cosmic force which flows through all things and binds and releases them. The
philosophy grew from an observance of the natural world, and the religion developed
out of a belief in cosmic balance maintained and regulated by the Tao. The original
belief may or may not have included practices such as ancestor and spirit worship,
but both of these principles are observed by many Taoists today and have been for
centuries.

Taoism Beliefs and Symbol

Chinese texts like the Chaung-Tzu and Daozang, written by Zhuang Zhou, and
the later Ming Dynasty's Sung Dynasty, all support Taoism, a belief in innate
goodness and the potential for individuals to live in harmony with the earth and
others, despite bad behavior. Taoism believes that living according to the Tao is
natural and happiness comes from adapting to life's changes. It emphasizes
flexibility and acceptance of life's events as part of the eternal force, while resistance
to the Tao can cause friction and unhappiness.

Origins of Taoism

Historian Sima Qian recounts the life of Lao-Tzu, a philosopher and curator at the
Royal Library in Chu. He believed in harmony and shared feelings, but became
impatient with government corruption, leading to his exile due to his inability to
change people's behavior. Yin Hsi, a philosopher, stopped Lao-Tzu as he left China
through the western pass. He asked him to write a book, which Lao-Tzu agreed to.
He wrote the Tao-Te-Ching (The Book of the Way) beside the gatekeeper, handed it
to Yin Hsi, and walked through the western pass. If true, Yin Hsi may have copied
and distributed the Tao-Te-Ching.

Ethical Teaching of Taoism

 Taoist ethics are concerned less with doing good acts than becoming a good
person who lives in harmony with all things and people.
 Taoist ethics are inseparable from Taoist spirituality - both contain the same
ideas.
 Taoists thus always do what is required by events and their context, but they
only do what is required, no more.

Key aspects of ethical teaching in Taoism

 The ‘Three Jewels of Tao’

1. Compassion, Kindness, Love

- Literally "compassion, tenderness, love, mercy, kindness, gentleness
and implies the term ‘mother’, ‘mother’s/ parental love.’

2. Moderation, Simplicity, Frugality

- When applied to the moral life it stands for the simplicity of desire.

3. Humility, Modesty
-The third treasure is a six-character phrase instead of a single word,
Bugan wei tianxia xian, "not dare to be first/ahead in the world", referring to
the taoist way to avoid premature death

Zen-Buddhism

Zen is a significant school of East Asian Buddhism, forming the mainstream

monastic form of Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, and Vietnam. It accounts for
about 20% of Buddhist temples in Japan and is based on the belief that awakening
can be achieved through proper spiritual cultivation by a master. Zen is often
associated with secular arts of medieval Japan and spontaneous expressions of
artistic or spiritual vitality. The ideals of simplicity and orderliness are reflected in the
success of Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo. However, modern non-Buddhist
connotations of Zen can lead to its misuse.

Zen Buddhism Beliefs and Symbols

Zen Buddhism is a pragmatic and down-to-earth practice, focusing on the

present moment and meditation (zazen) rather than a specific philosophy or dogma.
It does not seek to answer subjective questions, as these are not important for Zen.
The focus is on the present moment, not God or the afterlife, and the practice of
meditation, unlike Christian religions filled with dogmas. Zen posits that life is a
grand illusion, shaped by our personality, experiences, and ego. It views life as a
theater, with only a few actors and a limited understanding of the roles. Zen accepts
that humans are only humans and cannot answer life's impossible questions without
falling into the trap of illusion. The limited knowledge of humans makes it impossible
to provide a definite answer to these questions, as Master Taisen Deshimaru stated.
Therefore, no one knows the answers to life and death.

Origins of Zen Buddhism

Records of the Transmission of the Lamp, a work by Chinese Buddhist monk

Daoyun, provides an in-depth introduction to Zen Buddhism. The school is a
religious family with five main branches, each demonstrating legitimacy through
Confucian-style ancestor rites. The lineage begins with seven buddhas, including six
mythological Buddhas and Shakyamuni, who transmitted spiritual awakening and
wisdom to 28 generations of teachers in India. Bodhidharma, a monk who
introduced true Buddhism to China in the 5th century, believed that practitioners
could achieve a sudden awakening to spiritual truth through reading Buddhist
scriptures.

Ethical Teaching of Zen Buddhism

  In Sanskrit, is a state of mind or being in which one simultaneously realizes
one’s identity (which is infinite and eternal), the illusory nature of the world,
and perfect bliss and equanimity.
 In mainstream Buddhism there is no separate “God” who is the judge or
arbiter of ethical action. Rather, it is a general psycho-spiritual “law” that
certain behaviors promote enlightenment and abate suffering while others
impede enlightenment and bring about suffering.

Key aspects of ethical teaching in Zen Buddhism

 Five Precepts Buddha advises abstinence of Zen Buddhism ethics.

1. Harming living beings
2. Taking things not freely given
3. Sexual misconduct
4. False speech
5. Intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness (Knierim)
 Noble Eightfold path to enlightenment consists of cultivating of Zen Buddhism
ethics.
1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

Islam

The word Islam means “submission” or “surrender,” as its faithful surrender to the
will of Allah. Although its roots go back further in time, scholars typically date the
creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world
religions. Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the
prophet Muhammad. Today, the faith is spreading rapidly throughout the world.
Widely practiced in the Middle East and North Africa, it also has many adherents in
South Asia—Indonesia, has the largest number of followers of the Islamic faith.

Islam Beliefs and Symbols

The foundational beliefs of Islam encapsulate a comprehensive understanding of

the divine and the human condition. Firstly, Muslims firmly adhere to the Oneness of
God, recognizing Him as the sole creator and sustainer of the universe,
transcendent beyond human attributes and influences. This monotheistic principle
underpins all aspects of Islamic theology, emphasizing God's omnipotence,
omniscience, and independence from worldly characteristics.

Secondly, Islam acknowledges the unseen realm, including the existence of

angels who serve as messengers and executors of God's divine will. The angel
Gabriel holds particular significance, as the bearer of revelation to the prophets,
facilitating communication between the divine and the earthly. Additionally, Muslims
believe in the divine origin of holy scriptures, revealed to various prophets
throughout history. While revering earlier scriptures, such as the Torah, the Gospel,
and the Psalms, Muslims affirm the Quran as the final and unaltered revelation,
guiding humanity towards righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. Together, these
beliefs instill a profound sense of spiritual purpose and accountability, culminating in
the anticipation of a Day of Judgment where human actions will be weighed against
divine standards of righteousness and justice. Finally, the concept of divine decree
underscores the belief that all events are predetermined by God, while affirming
human agency and free will within this divine framework.

Ethical Teaching of Islam

Ethical teachings are integral to the lives of Muslims, shaping their daily
conduct and decisions. Rooted in the constant pursuit of consciousness and
submission to Allah (Taqwa and Tawhid), Islam serves as the guiding force behind
all aspects of life, particularly bioethics. This enduring motivation underscores the
importance of adhering to ethical principles, especially in anticipation of being held
accountable before Allah in the afterlife.

Islamic bioethical decision-making is grounded in values drawn from

revelation and tradition, closely linked to the teachings of the Qur’an and the
practices of Prophet Muhammad. Through consultation of Islamic jurisprudence,
including the Qur’an, Sunna, consensus (Iijma), and analogy (Qiyas), Muslims
discern moral choices on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and In-vitro
fertilization (IVF). The ongoing struggle, or Jihad, lies in striving to make ethically
informed decisions aligned with Islamic teachings.

Key aspects of ethical teaching in Islam

 Profession of Faith (shahada)

- The belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the
Messenger of God" is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is
often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including
the Qur'an, Islam's holy book of divine revelations. One becomes a
Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.
 Prayer (salat)
- Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-
afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the
opening chapter (sura) of the Qur'an, and is sometimes performed on a
small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose. Muslims can pray
individually at any location or together in a mosque, where a leader in
prayer (imam) guides the congregation. Men gather in the mosque for the
noonday prayer on Friday; women are welcome but not obliged to
participate. After the prayer, a sermon focuses on a passage from the
Qur'an, followed by prayers by the imam and a discussion of a particular
religious topic.
 Alms (zakat)
- In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their
income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims
 build mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other
institutions both as a religious duty and to secure the blessings associated
with charity.
 Fasting (sawm)
- During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and
drink. Through this temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of
and gratitude for everything God has provided in their lives—including the
Qur'an, which was first revealed during this month. During Ramadan they
share the hunger and thirst of the needy as a reminder of the religious
duty to help those less fortunate.

 Pilgrimage (hajj)
- Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least one
visit to the holy city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Ka'ba, a
cubical structure covered in black embroidered hangings, is at the center
of the Haram Mosque in Mecca. Muslims believe that it is the house
Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) built for God, and face in its direction (qibla)
when they pray. Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, believers from
all over the world have gathered around the Ka'ba in Mecca on the eighth
and twelfth days of the final month of the Islamic calendar.
III. Recommendation and Analysis

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