Core Ethical Schools Of Buddhism

Buddhism is a way of discovering peace within oneself. It is a religion that assists us to find the happiness and contentment we seek. The diversity of expression within the different Buddhist schools of thought involves the consideration of the core ethical teachings which reflect the principle beliefs of the religion. This concept is evident within the sacred texts and writings of Buddhism which explore the interrelationship between core ethical teachings and principle beliefs. The underlying ethical belief of compassion is what underpins the teachings of Buddhism. The Principal Beliefs, namely The Three Jewels which are the the three elements central to Buddhism (The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha), The Four Noble truths and more specifically The Eightfold Path which are simple guidelines to achieve enlightenment and The Five Precepts which are Core Ethical Teachings for right living. (Cambridge, p.98, 2011). The different Buddhist schools of thought Vajrayana, Mahayana and Theravada and the Sacred Texts and Writings including the Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Tibetan Book of the Dead and Lotus of the Good Law must be examined in order to achieve a greater understanding of how the core ethical teachings reflect the principle beliefs.

Buddhists teach that the ethical and moral …show more content…
It also covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others (e.g lying and deceitful language). (A Basic Buddhism Guide, 2015) This precept also includes the notion that one needs to speak in ways that are kind, truthful and not hurtful to yourself and encourages the need to listen to others; Thus, it is evidently linked to The Eight-Fold Paths ‘Right Speech’, as it demonstrates that our speech reflects our character, so we must especially avoid speaking false, slanderous or belittling words. (The Teachings of Buddha, p.g 14,