If there are any questions you would like to know but cannot find in our Q&A on Buddhism section, please e-mail your question to temple@chungtian.org.au
- ETHICAL
Q1. If Buddhists do not believe in a God, how do they know right from wrong?
Q2. Does Buddhism have a code of morality?
Q3. If Buddhists don’t believe in a God, how do they know right from wrong?
top
- Q1. If Buddhists do not believe in a God, how do they know right from wrong?
The ability to distinguish right from wrong is based on one’s wisdom, intelligence, knowledge and experience. It has nothing to do with whether one believes in a God or not. Does it mean that those who are atheists are unable to tell right from wrong?
Buddhism is an education where knowledge and wisdom predominate. By understanding the truth of life and universe, we are able to distinguish right from wrong.
top
- Q2. Does Buddhism have a code of morality?
Buddhism contains an excellent moral code including one for the Sangha and another for the laity. The base of Buddhism is morality, and its apex is wisdom. Of the Four Noble Truths that form the foundation of Buddhism, the fourth (Noble Eightfold Path) forms the basis of the ethics of Buddhism. The common basic moral principles of conduct which set guidelines for all Buddhists in daily life are the Five Precepts. They are no killing, so stealing, no sexual misconduct, no lying and no intoxicants.
top
- Q3. If Buddhists don’t believe in a God, how do they know right from wrong?
The ability to distinguish right from wrong is based on one’s wisdom, intelligence, knowledge and experience. It has nothing to do with whether one believes in a God or not. Does it mean that for those who are atheists, they are unable to tell the right from the wrong?
top
