Buddhism and Ethics : A Consideration about "Religious Practice"(<Special Issue>Religion and Ethics)

Abstract

What kind of subjects could be argued on the theme "Buddhism and ethics"? It is often pointed out that "ethics," especially "social ethics," is lacking in Buddhism. If "ethics" were considered as morality-a normative discipline or a social norm that may be defined by a kind of transcendent reality-then it may be admitted that, since Buddhism is a religion with "transworldly" aims, it does not offer a model for activity in this world or forming values for a social life. "Religious pluralism" in our modern globalized world also involves a "pluralism of ethics and moral philosophy." Not only religions but also ethics are open for questioning. The "religious practices" of many religions cannot be well interpreted through the notion of "religion" (and also of "ethics") which has evolved in the modern age. "Religious practice" (and also "secular ethics") might be limited to within its own individual sphere. Buddhism is a religion that teaches the cause of "suffering" and the way of deliverance from suffering. Buddhists, taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Samgha, seek to attain Nirvana, to be awakened. Buddhist concern (religious practice) is related to the awareness of Dharma (truth, the way of deliverance from "suffering"). If such Buddhist religious concern (practice) were considered as "ethics," it could be called "Buddhist ethics," which may contribute to a kind of "secular morality." In the Mahayana/Pure Land tradition, Buddhist practice is not concerned with constructing a social ethic but to "attain Buddhahood." I would like to examine this idea from the perspective of "the teaching of nenbutsu."