Deriving a Meaningful Morality from a Knowledge of Causation

[Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)]

Dear CPB Members and Friends:

This past Thursday we discussed the central role of causality in
Buddhist thought and practice, and in particular, how a knowledge of
causality (cause and effect) allows us to appreciate and embrace moral
action.

Before we recap the ways we come to know the causal process, there are
two things we must embrace to be "good moral agents": a willingness to
accept 1) self-critique (so that we can identify our weaknesses) and a
willingness to embrace 2) self-revision (after we identify our
weaknesses, we then take appropriate action to remedy them). If we
can maintain these two characteristics, then we can better appreciate
the process that is necessary to become increasingly moral in our
thoughts and actions in this world. And as always in Pragmatic
Buddhism, this revolves not around "belief" or "faith," but
demonstrable behavior modification through training of bodymind.

The two ways we come to see the causal process are: 1) social
consensus (the process of learning how other human beings see the
world, thereby building a more holistic picture) and 2) experiential
verification (direct experience). Both are necessary, and one cannot
play a more prominent role than the other--it is the "middle way,"
avoiding extremism. Seeing that the heart of our experience--and
everyone's--is causal (one thing leads to another in a continuously
emerging reality that can be affected by our own human actions--not to
be confused with Free Will, which assumes individualism that is not
connected to everything else), we can then appreciate that certain
human actions lead to negative results, while others lead to positive
ones. Positive here is defined as those actions that help to manifest
a more harmonious and just world for all people.

Being moral is not, for the Pragmatic Buddhist, a matter of blindly
accepting moral "laws," but understanding that each situation yields
its own possible solutions, and some solutions lead to the kind of
positive results that we call "moral." We act moral (share care,
concern, empathy and altruism) because it is the best way to act, as
it ensures a better world for you and me. In this view, morality is
fully grounded in "this world," and is continuously affected by what
we do right now.

With palms together,

Jim, SYX

[William Perkins]

JIM(Shi Yong Xiang),

Thank you for this thoughtful discussion.
I have recently been asked this question by one of my students in
Aikido; about the role of Buddhism in ethics and morality.
I see my role as a Formal Student to move from aspiration or
intention, to action or active engagement.
As our understanding evolves then our selfless action becomes a source
of liberation for others. I realize I can't free all beings from
suffering, but this does not negate my aspiration nor does it impede
my action.

Bill (Li Rui)





On Mar 9, 2:30 pm, "Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)"

> Jim, , SYX