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Buddhism: Buddhist Beliefs

Buddhist ethics: kamma, merit, the Five Precepts and the Six Perfections

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Overview

Intention in kamma, Dhammapada 183, merit and the Nidhikanda Sutta, sharing merit with the dead, rebirth, karuna and metta, why the precepts are training rules, and Theravada and Mahayana lists of perfections.

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Key term

What is kamma?

Key term

Why is intention central to kamma?

Key term

What does Dhammapada 183 teach?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    What is kamma?

    Model answer

    Kamma means intentional action of body, speech or mind. Skilful actions lead to happy results, and unskilful actions lead to suffering.

  2. 2

    Why is intention central to kamma?

    Model answer

    The Buddha taught that intention itself is kamma. An accidental harm carries far less weight than a deliberate one.

  3. 3

    What does Dhammapada 183 teach?

    Model answer

    Dhammapada 183 says the teaching of all Buddhas is to avoid evil, do good and purify the mind. The verse sums up Buddhist ethics.

  4. 4

    What is merit (punna), and how is it gained?

    Model answer

    Merit is the good kamma produced by skilful actions. Buddhists make merit through generosity, keeping the precepts and meditation.

  5. 5

    What does the Nidhikanda Sutta in the Khuddakapatha teach about merit?

    Model answer

    The Nidhikanda Sutta compares merit to a buried treasure that cannot be stolen or lost. Merit follows a person even beyond death.

  6. 6

    How does the Khuddakapatha teach the sharing of merit with the dead?

    Model answer

    The Tirokudda Sutta describes dead relatives waiting outside the walls of their old homes. Relatives who are still alive give gifts to monks and dedicate the merit to the dead.

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