There is a growing global trend where parents are prioritising moral education over religious instruction, and this trend is also evident in Sri Lanka. While it is undeniable that instilling strong moral values in children is important, it raises the question of where these morals come from and how they have evolved over time.
It’s undeniable that religious teachings have significantly influenced the shaping of moral codes across different cultures. Concepts such as compassion, honesty, and respect for others often have their roots in religious principles.
Ultimately, the aim of raising a child is to raise a well-rounded individual who can navigate complex situations with a strong moral compass. Whether through religious teachings or a more secular approach, fostering ethical reasoning and responsible behaviour is crucial to creating a just and compassionate society. This Vesak week, ‘Psych Matters’ intends to explore the roots of morality and ethics found in Buddhist philosophy.
The five precepts
Buddhist ethics extend far beyond religious practice, offering profound insights into leading a meaningful life. As Ven. Walpola Rahula Thera highlights in ‘What the Buddha Taught,’ embracing Buddhism involves understanding, conviction, and personal effort. Central to this path are the three jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) and the five precepts, which form the ethical foundation for laypeople.
These five precepts or ‘pancha sila’ resonate with many core principles of modern psychology, areas especially discussed in promoting wellbeing and fostering strong social connections.
The five precepts
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness
The first precept is aligned with psychological concepts of non-violence and compassion. Studies show that acting compassionately reduces aggression and fosters empathy, leading to more positive social interactions. Honesty and trust as expressed in the second and fourth precepts talk about avoiding theft, while false speech emphasises honesty and respect for others’ property and truthfulness. This practice builds trust and reduces conflict, which is essential for healthy relationships.
The third precept, which involves avoiding sexual misconduct, has implications that reach beyond personal morality and deeply impact social wellbeing. It promotes healthy relationships by prioritising informed consent, preventing exploitation and coercion, and fostering trust through open communication. Under a modern lens, this, in turn, creates safe spaces that reduce the risk of emotional trauma, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. By avoiding the power imbalances inherent in sexual misconduct, it helps to reduce violence and abuse, including sexual assault and domestic violence.
Avoiding sexual misconduct also contributes to improved mental health by preventing trauma and creating a society where individuals feel safe and supported, thereby promoting healthy self-esteem and positive body image. Ultimately, this precept strengthens communities by nurturing trust and cooperation within a more cohesive and supportive social environment.
Modern psychology supports these benefits, emphasising the importance of healthy relationships, consent, and clear communication for emotional wellbeing. The third precept is not solely about individual morality; it is a fundamental principle for building a just, equitable, and safe society for all.
Alcohol and other substance abuse is a significant public health concern in Sri Lanka. In relation to this, the fifth precept talks more about responsible behaviours. Avoiding intoxicants that cloud the mind connects to mindfulness and responsible behaviour. Mindfulness practices enhance focus and decision-making, contributing to overall wellbeing.
Right understanding (Samma ditthi)
Right thought (Samma sankappa)
Right speech (Samma vaca)
Right action (Samma kammanta)
Right livelihood (Samma ajiva)
Right effort (Samma vayama)
Right mindfulness (Samma sati)
Right concentration (Samma samadhi)
The Buddhist eightfold path is not just an age-old concept, but rather a relevant framework for addressing modern ethical dilemmas. This path, which covers wisdom, conduct, and mental discipline, promotes ethical behaviour in line with contemporary values.
The emphasis on right speech, right action, and right livelihood directly translates to ethical conduct in today’s world. Right speech stresses honesty and respect in communication, discouraging gossip and hurtful language, which aligns with our modern understanding of respectful and responsible behaviour in online and offline interactions.
Right action involves avoiding harm to living things and acting with integrity. In a world grappling with issues like animal cruelty and environmental degradation, the eightfold path’s emphasis on non-violence and right livelihood resonates deeply. Choosing careers that don’t involve harming the environment or exploiting others reflects this principle in a modern context.
The eightfold path acknowledges the complexities of modern life. While the original teachings discouraged meat consumption, the modern interpretation emphasises responsible sourcing and minimising harm. Similarly, the concept of right livelihood is adapted to avoid profiting from harmful industries like weapons or drugs.
The eightfold path goes beyond simply avoiding harm. It encourages positive action through right effort, cultivating a positive attitude, and approaching tasks with dedication. Mindfulness, another key concept, emphasises focus and awareness in daily activities, a valuable skill in our fast-paced world.
The eightfold path offers a timeless framework for ethical living, emphasising honest communication, responsible action, and mindful awareness, aligning with the core values of modern society. Whether navigating online interactions or making career choices, the eightfold path can be used as a guide for leading life ethically.
An individual journey
When Buddhism is approached as a philosophy outside its cultural context, it becomes a deeply personal journey. It raises an important question: how is a Buddhist’s goodness measured? Is it by the number of times they visit the temple each month, how loudly they play suttas on the radio, or the number of hours they spend on religious activities daily? Or is it more about the lifestyle of the individual and their adherence to the ethical principles discussed in Buddhist teachings?
Just by exploring the two primary concepts of ‘pancha sila’ and the noble eightfold path mentioned in this article, we can find numerous examples demonstrating how Buddhist ethics cultivate qualities like honesty, compassion, and self-control. These qualities are essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships. Psychological research shows that such qualities are key factors in wellbeing.
Mindfulness practices derived from Buddhism help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, enabling them to manage stress, improve communication, and develop empathy. These skills contribute significantly to social connection and overall wellbeing.
Another key part to remember is that in practice, spiritual growth does not require retreating to a quiet forest. The Buddha acknowledged that many laypeople with everyday lives and families achieved enlightenment by following his path. Rather than seeking seclusion, actively engaging with society and offering compassion and service to others is a more noble way to practise Buddhism. While temporary retreats for self-reflection can be beneficial, a life solely focused on personal salvation contradicts the core Buddhist principles of love and helping others.
(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)