Buddhist ethics
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Buddhist ethics are traditionally based on the enlightened perspective of the Buddha. In Buddhism, ethics or morality are understood by the term śīla or sīla. Śīla is one of three sections of the Nobl
The Buddhist king Ashoka built pillars throughout the Indian subcontinent inscribed with edicts promoting Buddhist moral virtues and precepts.
The bhavacakra (wheel of life) shows the realms of karmic rebirth, at its hub are the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion.
In the Zen Buddhist initiation ceremony of Jukai, initiates take up the Bodhisattva Precepts.
Giving (Dana) is an important Buddhist virtue. The community of monastics is seen as the most meritorious field of karmic fruitfulness.
Merit (Buddhism)
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Merit is a concept considered fundamental to Buddhist ethics. It is a beneficial and protective force which accumulates as a result of good deeds, acts, or thoughts. Merit-making is important to Buddh
Giving helps to overcome selfishness and stills the mind; it prepares the mind for the practice of virtue.
The main concept of the field of merit is that good deeds done towards some recipients accrue more merit than good deeds to other recipients. This is compared with a seed planted in fertile ground, which reaps more and better fruits than in infertile ground.
In Thailand and Laos, a yearly festival is held, focused on the Vessantara Jātaka, a story of a previous life of the Buddha which is held sacred.