Beyond religion - 6. The role of discernement

• Although compassion is the foundation of ethics we need also discernement to ensure that our choices are realistic and our intentions are not wasted
• Ethical awareness, beneficial for oneself and others, arises from the use of reason
• Rules for simply, daily cases, are OK, so we do not become overwhelmed by every decision
• Ethics questions are often not blank or white.  We must check our motivation and the pros and cons of our decisions.  One perspective is not enough.  Moreover, every incident is the result of countless causes and conditions, some may remain hidden and many are beyond our control.
• Therefore we must relay in our motivation and discernment to ensure we (try to) do our best

Meditation

• Trying our best