Faults and virtues
Without a right conduct we cannot go very far.
Definition
Avoid doing negative actions and act in a positive way. Ethics is often referred as discipline.
Classification
- Actions that we should avoid: the classical texts (e.g. The jewel Ornament of Liberation) describe the precepts of monks and nouns, about actions of body, speech and mind. In the same book, in the chapter about karma there are 10 actions to avoid:
- Body actions: taking life; stealing; sexual misconduct
- Speech actions: lying; divisive speech; harsh words; idle talk
- Mind actions: covetousness; harmful thoughts; wrong views
- Positive actions: Those are based on compassion and wisdom, and generate the discipline to develop the other qualities. There is no list, because every action must be founded in an altruistic motivation to qualify it as good.
- Work to benefit others: there are thirteen actions grouped in four types.
- Generosity: alleviate poverty; protect from fear; alleviate pain; give to people in need;
- Beneficial advice: teach ignorant people to act intelligent help other to develop their potential; motivate people to aspire to do good and beneficial
- Practice what you teach: help those that benefit others; thank the good we receive from others; rejoice other's good deeds; do a spiritual practice; suppress all that must be suppressed; inspire respect by your talents
- Adapt yourself to the person we help to fulfil the request
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