Early Buddhist Moral Theory For Global Education In Ethics

Abstract

The chapter introduces the early Buddhist moral theory by examining the early discourses of the Buddha in relation to the three principles of the efficacy of intentional action, doing good deeds and exercising energy to do good deeds. It informs the reader that the early Buddhist moral theory is well-qualified to be used in global education in ethics. Its main argument is that the early Buddhist moral theory covers three dimensions of the moral theory but that of the traditional Buddhist lands, only one. In the traditional Buddhist lands today, the type of Buddhism that is practiced is kammatic for its primary aim is otherworldly, to direct the followers to selfishly accrue merits to be born in heavens in their next lives. Therefore, the moral theory of the traditional Buddhism lacks the humanistic spirit displayed in the early Buddhist teachings. The latter values “humanity” and promotes the ideas of “global citizens” and “global community,” that acknowledge diversity. On this background, it is to be observed that the moral theory advocated in the contemporary traditional Buddhism calls for exclusivism and nationalism while the early Buddhist moral theory calls for inclusivism, plurality and humanity. Hence, it could be concluded that it is the early Buddhist moral theory that will qualify for global education in ethics, not the one that is practiced in the traditional Buddhist lands today.