What are Buddhist Ethics?

The five ethical precepts practised by Buddhists are principles that emulate the spontaneous behavior of an Enlightened being and are based in a deep sense of interconnectedness and love. The five precepts, which we usually chant together in a language called Pali, are translated as follows into English:

1. I undertake to abstain from taking or harming life.
2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not freely given.
3. I undertake to abstain from causing harm through sexuality.
4. I undertake to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake to abstain from taking intoxicants that dull the mind.

The positive counterparts are stated as follows:

1. With deeds of loving kindness, I purify my body.
2. With open-handed generosity, I purify my body.
3. With stillness, simplicity and contentment, I purify my body.
4. With truthful communication, I purify my speech.
5. With mindfulness clear and radiant, I purify my mind.

To know what these precepts are getting at takes a basic understanding and experience of Buddhism and Buddhist practice. Ethics is one of the subjects covered in our 6-week Introduction to Buddhism course. It is also the first part of what is known as the Threefold Path, which is Ethics, Meditation, and Wisdom.