Buddhist and Taoist ethics: a comparative study

Abstract

Ethics is one of the most important foundations of human society and religion. It really plays a very indispensable role in the social, political, economic and religious life of human beings. The history of mankind reveals that society cannot flourish and people cannot live in harmony without the fundamental ethics. There is no religious system which does not include the moral teachings. No society can be stable without some moral principles. Every religion has laid down rules of conduct for its followers. It is due to the differences in geographical conditions, social background and development of man s level that the concepts of ethics such as morality, virtue, equality, right, etc., or criteria of social ethics vary from society to society. Nowadays, ethics is applied not only in the sphere of human behaviour and conduct, but also has stretched out its arms to every sphere of natural and social sciences as well. Two of the most influential beliefs that have shaped Asian history are Buddhism and Taoism. They have been around through thousands of years and have dominated majority of Asian regions, particularly China and India. The teachings of Buddhism and Taoism have become very popular not only in India and in China but also in the other parts of the globe. Despite the differences in organization, language, geography and local customs, both share a profound respect for virtues and honour. The ethical and moral values taught by the Buddha and Land#462;o Zand#464; are still relevant and fresh for human civilizations as theywere at their time of promulgation. In the light of the above facts, an attempt has been made not only to study the ethical values in Buddhism and Taoism but also to study on Buddhist and newlineTaoist Ethics in comparative light.