New to this, please help?

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jback2
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Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:39 pm

New to this, please help?

Post by jback2 »

Hi, I'm very new to the Theravada Buddhists' beliefs. I had a question since I have been studying the Bhagavad Gita.
The ethical views of the gita emphasize non-attachment and action out of duty, and regard different social groups as having different moral obligations.
Meanwhile certain Theravada Buddhist texts present a form of ethics which focuses on consequences of actions for the welfare of all beings, assigns the same moral obligations to everyone.
How would someone from each view criticize eachother? I mean, in your opinion which account of ethics do you find more plausible?
daverupa
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Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 6:58 pm

Re: New to this, please help?

Post by daverupa »

jback2 wrote:How would someone from each view criticize eachother?
I suppose the only way to find out would be to have a modern Hindu and a modern Buddhist discuss ethics together. It wouldn't do to simply put words in the mouth of an alleged contender on either side just for the sake of having a discussion hypothetical points of view.
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
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Fede
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Re: New to this, please help?

Post by Fede »

:goodpost:
"Samsara: The human condition's heartbreaking inability to sustain contentment." Elizabeth Gilbert, 'Eat, Pray, Love'.

Simplify: 17 into 1 WILL go: Mindfulness!

Quieta movere magna merces videbatur. (Sallust, c.86-c.35 BC)
Translation: Just to stir things up seemed a good reward in itself. ;)

I am sooooo happy - How on earth could I be otherwise?! :D


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