Gautama Buddha, the enlightened sage and founder of Buddhism, profoundly inspires me with his teachings on ethical conduct in life. Central to his philosophy is the concept of the Middle Way, advocating balance and moderation in all aspects of existence. Buddha’s teachings emphasize compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of truth as pathways to ethical living. One of his fundamental principles is the Eightfold Path, comprising guidelines for moral and ethical behavior. For instance, practicing Right Speech involves abstaining from lying, harsh language, and gossip, promoting honesty and kindness in communication. Personally, I have integrated Buddha’s teachings into my life by cultivating mindfulness through meditation and reflection, striving to approach situations with compassion and empathy. By adhering to the principles of the Eightfold Path, I have endeavored to make ethical decisions grounded in wisdom and virtue. Buddha’s timeless wisdom continues to serve as a guiding light in my journey towards ethical development.
Tag: Ethics and Human Interface.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to start your answer with the name of the eminent personality that has inspired you the most.
- In Body, give the Gist of his/her teachings.
- Try to conclude the answer how his teachings influenced you.
Answer:
Gautam Buddha was almost certainly the first philosopher to offer a solution to the moral-material crisis through his concept of Madhyam Pratipat, or the middle way. The doctrine of pratityasamutpada, or dependent origination, is the bedrock upon which all of the Buddha’s teachings are governed.
According to Buddha, desire is the source of suffering and its removal is nirvana (salvation). Pratityasamutpada is predicated on the idea that while the intellect rules the empirical world, everything is relative, contingent, dependent, subject to birth and death, and so impermanent. The basic lesson of Buddhist philosophy is that in times of crisis and confusion, only a focus on ethical ideals and the codification of standards can provide a lasting solution. Extreme self-regulation and discipline can alleviate life’s anguish and affliction. Buddha also conveyed a constructive message, stating that when one believes in extremism, there are no alternatives, and when there are no alternatives, one is doomed to suffer. As a result, one should take a middle road in all aspects of life in order to have a choice.
Among all of Buddha’s teachings, the one that I have attempted to emulate is the ‘Middle Path’. I’ve attempted to create a balance between indulgence and asceticism. Whenever I find myself in an ethical dilemma, I attempt to find a middle path. Additionally, I strive to strike a balance between bodily and mental needs. I make an attempt to avoid human behaviour that is extreme. For instance, I strive to be idealistic while yet using pragmatic as necessary without jeopardizing ethical standards.
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