Buddhist Ethics and the Path of the Bodhisattva with Stephen E. Harris
Nov 27, 2024
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Stephen E. Harris, a lecturer specializing in Buddhist moral philosophy, dives into the richness of Buddhist ethics, particularly through the lens of Śāntideva. The conversation explores the impactful teachings of Śāntideva, emphasizing the transformative power of altruism. Harris contrasts Western and Buddhist views on moral demandiness and suffering, using practical insights from meditation. He also discusses the role of joy and patience in countering negative emotions, advocating for a life enriched by compassion and selflessness.
Shantideva's teachings on the Bodhisattva path emphasize radical altruism, aiming for enlightenment to benefit all sentient beings.
The transformative process of addressing internal emotional states, known as 'klesha,' is crucial for alleviating suffering and cultivating well-being.
Cultivating virtues such as compassion and joy not only enriches others' lives but ultimately leads to one's own lasting happiness.
Deep dives
The Significance of Shantideva's Work
Shantideva, an influential figure in Mahayana Buddhism, is primarily known for his text, 'Guide to the Practices of Awakening,' which has greatly shaped Buddhist ethical thought. Living in the 8th century as a monastic academic at Nalanada, his teachings emphasize the importance of virtue and ethical behavior in alleviating suffering. His texts were not only pivotal in India but also gained significant influence in Tibetan Buddhism, where they were frequently referenced by notable Tibetan scholars. This scholarly legacy continues to thrive, as Shantideva's work has found renewed interest in modern Buddhist studies and is often highlighted by contemporary leaders like the Dalai Lama.
Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path
The Bodhisattva path represents a unique ethical framework in Buddhism, characterized by the commitment to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This philosophy entails a radical altruism, where individuals vow to endure repeated cycles of rebirth to help others achieve liberation. Shantideva argues that this path is not unnecessarily demanding; rather, it is a means to attain happiness. By cultivating virtues such as compassion and wisdom, practitioners not only contribute to the welfare of others but also realize profound personal well-being.
The Role of Pathological Emotions in Suffering
Central to Shantideva's ethical discourse is the concept of 'klesha,' or pathological emotions, which include delusion, craving, and anger as primary causes of suffering. Shantideva contends that true suffering arises not only from external circumstances but significantly from these internal emotional states. By addressing and transforming these emotions through the practice of the Bodhisattva virtues, individuals can alleviate their own suffering and that of others. This transformative process reorients the understanding of both personal well-being and ethical responsibility within a communal context.
The Interconnection of Virtue and Happiness
Shantideva emphasizes that the cultivation of virtues is intrinsically linked to achieving lasting happiness. For him, actions that stem from genuine generosity, patience, and compassion create stable mental states that promote joy and alleviate suffering. Generosity, for example, is redefined as the psychological conditioning to give without attachment, reflecting an understanding that true happiness arises from selflessness rather than self-interest. This radical reorientation asserts that enriching others' lives contributes to the practitioner's own happiness and well-being.
Integrative Techniques for Ethical Living
In his teachings, Shantideva presents various techniques to systematically cultivate patience, joy, and compassion, essential qualities for overcoming emotional turmoil. He argues that joy acts as a powerful antidote to negative emotional states like anger, highlighting the necessity for a psychologically stable foundation. Additionally, his argumentation revolves around the idea that understanding one's interconnectedness with others can dissolve the illusion of autonomous agency, subsequently transforming how individuals respond to perceived injustices. By integrating these techniques into daily practice, one can foster a more ethical and compassionate approach to living.
Stephen Harris is a Lecturer of Indian and Comparative Philosophy at
Leiden University. Studying Indian philosophical texts, in particular
Buddhist moral philosophy, and their conceptual relationship to issues
investigated in contemporary philosophy. Current interests include moral
demandingness in the writing of the 8th century Indian Buddhist
philosopher, Śāntideva, and cross-cultural study of well-being. In this
episode we discuss his book Buddhist Ethics and the Bodhisattva Path:
Śāntideva on Virtue and Well-Being.
Book link:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/buddhist-ethics-and-the-bodhisattva-path-9781350379534/
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