Page 87 - Applied Buddhism

The first suggestion is to have systematic education on teaching of fundamental values persist. It is therefore necessary to
“Interdependence” and “Non-Self”, as a means to tackle the problems consider the introduction of “Interdependence” and “Non-Self” to
aforementioned at its root. The root cause is our “selfish, egoistic serve as a compatible foundation to the Golden Rule.
I”, which according to Buddhist philosophy is a false perception.
Because of this false perception, we seek exemptions to the The second suggestion I would like to bring forth is to
irrevocable principles while we expect others to follow thoroughly; introduce the Global Ethic in an ethical manner. It is well known
because of this “I”, we stick to our religious dogmas even when we that the introduction of ethic involves two major aspects. One is
find them irrational. It is this big “I” that is deterring us from truly the “knowledge of ethics” and the other is its “application”. The
embracing the Golden Rule and the irrevocable principles. “knowledge” of ethic should involve rationalising and reasoning
coupled with due emphasis on discovering the true nature of the
However, the truth remains unblemished on this point: self. The “application” aspect should entail discovering one’s own
everything here on earth, including our own lives, is mutually worth and one’s own dignity in relation to others so that one happily
dependant on each other and there are in essence only phenomena, wishes to do things ethically, and not as a compliance to external
without a permanent self. The so called self is but a false perception authorities and control.
of a perceived permanent being, which in fact is just a mass of ever
changing physical and psycho-social energy. Toward these ends, two things need to be done. One is to adopt
a rational approach to dialogues, and the other is to place greater
I noted gladly that in the Introduction to the Global Ethic emphasis on the development of moral conscience over ethical
Declaration, there was a declaration that begins with “We declare: codes.
we are interdependent. Each of us depends on the well-being of
the whole……We take individual responsibility for all we do. All Having dialogues in a rational way will encourage liberal and
our decisions, actions, and failure to act, have consequences.” This scientific discovery so that learners would be able to discover their
truth of interdependence, of no-self, must be fully appreciated. own rational nature, and become active parties in the formulation
of ethical codes and values. When the ethical codes and values are
Realising and experiencing this truth helps one to reduce one’s formulated in this manner, they would be accepted more easily.
ego, and when one’s ego is reduced, only then will there be genuine This approach is also ethical as it does not impose anything on the
appreciation of the Golden Rule. In Buddhist terms, the supreme learners.
bliss of Nibbana cannot be realised if one still clings to the Self.
The Global Ethic Standards are standards jointly formulated by
The dominant teachings in the world today, while preaching the religionists of all traditions. The same process during formulation
Golden Rule, are based on the philosophy of “Self” or “I.” The two could be repeated when teaching them. This will then provide an
are simply incompatible, and hence the problems associated with opportunity for secular believers to establish a stake in it.

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