Oriental/Eastern

Ethics
Made by yours truly: Orlando Bangayan and Rodolfo Danduan
Table of 01 Hinduism

Contents 02
03
Buddhism

Confucianism

04 Taoism

05 Zen - Buddhism

06 Islam
Introduction
● Eastern or Oriental Ethics, deeply ingrained in religious traditions offer a
profound view, on morality and living virtuously. These ethical systems,
such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism and
Islam provide insights into behavior, societal harmony and the quest for
spiritual enlightenment. In this presentation we embark on a journey
through the landscape of Eastern Ethics to gain an understanding of their
principles and how they influence the moral compass of millions, across
the globe.
 Hinduism
Hinduism, the primordial religion in India probably the oldest religion in
the
world, has no official founder. According to many scholars, with roots
and customs dating back more than 4,000 years
 Origins of Hinduism
● Most scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between 2300 B.C. and 1500 B.C. in the Indus Valley, near
modern-day Pakistan. But many Hindus argue that their faith is timeless and has always existed.

● Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no one founder but is instead a fusion of various beliefs

● The period when the Vedas were composed became known as the “Vedic Period” and lasted from about 1500
B.C. to 500 B.C. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period.

● The Epic, Puranic and Classic Periods took place between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Hindus began to emphasize
the worship of deities, especially Vishnu, Shiva and Devi
 Hinduism Beliefs, Symbols
● Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic, which means they worship a single deity, known as
“Brahman,” but still recognize other gods and goddesses. Followers believe there are multiple
paths to reaching their god.
● Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and
reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect)
● One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul.
● Man is Atman. This means that man should realize his authentic or true self
● In order for him to realize that he is Atman.
● Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and
morality
Ethical Teaching in Hinduism
● Central to Hindu ethics is the concept of Dharma, which refers to one's
duty, moral responsibility, and righteous conduct. The word dharma
means many things.
● The Vedas clearly state the connection between human conduct and the
kindness or cruelty of nature
Key aspects of ethical teaching in
Hinduism include:
Yamas/Niyamas:
Yamas
1. Ahimsa: be non-violent in thought and action, restraining arrogance and
anger.
2. Satya: refrain from lying and betraying promises and confidences,
avoiding injustice.
3. Asteya: do not steal or covet.
4. Brahmachariya: relinquish lust and all wrongdoing, forsake
drunkenness and evil company.
5. Aparigraha: discipline desire and greed.
Niyamas
1. Saucha: be pure in body, mind and speech.
2. Santosha: seek contentment and serenity in life, loving your fellowman.
3. Tapaha: perform occasional penance, tapas and sacrifice, remaining steadfast in
hardship and forbearing with people.
4. Svadhyaya: study with open mind the scrip-tures and books of wisdom.
5. Isvarapranidhana: Cultivate devotion through daily worship and meditation,
giving charitably without thought of reward.
 Buddhism
was founded by Shiddharta Gautama, the Buddha.
Second oldest religion in India. Buddha was originally a Hindu.
Buddhism is referred to as a religion of liberation.
 Origins of Buddhism
Buddhism originated in the Indian sub-continent
around the fifth century BCE. Buddhism was
founded in the north-eastern region of India in
what is now Nepal and is based on the teachings
of Siddharatha Gautama, The Buddha, or the
Enlightened/Awakened
Ethical Teaching in Buddhism:
Key ethical teachings in Buddhism include:

1.Four Noble Truths

2.The Noble Eightfold Path
3.Five Precept
4.Compassion (Karuna)
5.Moral Intention
6.Mindfulness (Sati)
 Four Noble Truths
1. The truth of suffering (dukkha)
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
3. The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
4. The truth of the path that frees us from suffering
(magga)
The Noble Eightfold Path
1. Right understanding (Samma ditthi)
2. Right thought (Samma sankappa)
3. Right speech (Samma vaca)
4. Right action (Samma kammanta)
5. Right livelihood (Samma ajiva)
6. Right effort (Samma vayama)
7. Right mindfulness (Samma sati)
8. Right concentration (Samma samadhi)
Five Precept
1. Killing living things
2. Taking what is not given
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Using drugs or alcohol
Compassion (Karuna)
Compassion is central to Buddhist ethics. Practitioners are encouraged to
cultivate compassion for all sentient beings, which promotes kindness and
empathy, as well in many other spiritual and ethical traditions.
Moral Intention
● Buddhism emphasizes that ethical actions should arise from a pure and
non-harmful intention. The motivation behind one's actions is considered
crucial in determining their ethical value, including Buddhism.
Mindfulness (Sati)
Being aware of one's thoughts and actions is essential in Buddhism.
Mindfulness helps individuals make ethical choices by staying attuned to
their intentions and their effects on others
 Confucianism
Confucianism is one of the most influential religious philosophies in the
history of China, and it has existed for over 2,500 years. It is concerned
with inner virtue, morality, and respect for the community and its values
ORIGIN OF CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism is a philosophy and belief system from ancient China, which laid
the foundation for much of Chinese culture. Confucius was a philosopher and
teacher who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. His thoughts on ethics, good behavior,
and moral character were written down by his disciples in several books, the most
important being the Lunyu. Confucianism believes in ancestor worship and
human-centered virtues for living a peaceful life. The golden rule of
Confucianism is “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do
unto you.”
Ethical Teaching in Confucianism:
Ethical teachings in Confucianism form the core of this
ancient Chinese philosophy. Confucianism, attributed to the
teachings of Confucius (Kong Fuzi or Kongzi) and later
developed by his disciples and other scholars, emphasizes
moral values, social harmony, and ethical conduct. These
teachings have had a profound influence on Chinese culture,
ethics, and governance
Key ethical teachings in
Confucianism
1. Ren (Benevolence or Humaneness)
2. Li (Ritual Propriety or Etiquette)
3. Yi (Righteousness or Justice)
4. Xiao (Filial Piety)
5. Ti (Brotherly Respect)
6. Zhi (Wisdom)
7. Xin (Integrity and Trustworthiness)
8. Zhong (Loyalty and Fidelity)
Social Teachings of Confucius
Confucius taught that people should have
compassion for one an other, and to avoid
treating others in ways that they themselves would
not wish to be treated. What
you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others
Political Teachings
● Much of Confucius's teachings focused on the art of
governance and how a ruler should act.
● Confucius advocated for true justice and compassion on
the part of the ruler and the ruled. Only by being a just
ruler would the ruler enjoy the Mandate of Heaven and
continue to have the right to rule.
Confucius Teachings on Education
Confucius taught that one the key to self
mastery was through scholarship
andstudy. He stated "He who learns but
does not think is lost. He who thinks but
does not learn is in great danger."
 Taosim
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; The name that can be named is
not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. The
named is the mother of ten thousand things. Ever desireless, one can see the
mystery. Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations. These two spring from
the same source but differ in name; this appears as darkness. Darkness within
darkness. The gate to all mystery.
-Tao Te Ching,Verse 1-
 Taoism and… its Origin
● Taoism, also known as Daoism, is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in
ancient China. It encompasses a diverse set of beliefs, practices, and teachings centered
around the concept of the Tao (or Dao), which can be translated as "the Way" or "the Path.“
● The Tao is not a God and is not worshipped. Tao in Taoism is living in accordance with its
principles, practicing mindfulness, cultivating virtues, embracing spontaneity, and
harmonizing with the natural flow of life, seeking to embody the essence of the Tao in our
thoughts, actions, and interactions.
● Lao Tzu or Laozi, translates as “Old Master”, the philosopher that was believed to have
founded Taoism, was eventually revered as one of the supreme deities when the philosophy
became a religion. In later mature Taoist tradition, he was then seen as the personification of
the Tao and treat him like a supreme being.
 Known Theorist in Taoism
1. Laozi (Lao Tzu)
Laozi is traditionally credited as the author of the "Tao Te Ching," a foundational text in Taoism. However,
historical information about Laozi is scarce, and he is often considered more of a mythical or symbolic figure than a
historical person. Legend has it that Laozi was a sage and archivist in the court of the Zhou Dynasty, and he became
disillusioned with societal corruption, prompting him to leave and travel west. As he reached the western frontier, a
guard asked him to record his teachings, resulting in the "Tao Te Ching."

Teachings/Principles
Laozi's teachings revolve around the concept of the Tao (the Way) as the fundamental principle of the universe.
Key principles include;
● living in harmony with the Tao,
● practicing Wu Wei (non-action or non-striving),
● simplicity, and humility.
 Teachings/Principles
Living in Harmony with the Tao:
Embracing the natural flow of life, adapting to change with acceptance, and cultivating awareness to align one's
actions with the underlying harmony of the universe.

Practicing Wu Wei (Non-Action or Non-Striving):

Engaging in actions with spontaneous ease, allowing events to unfold naturally without force, and trusting the
inherent wisdom of the Tao to guide one's path.

Simplicity:
Cultivating a lifestyle free from excess, letting go of unnecessary desires and possessions, and finding
contentment in the simplicity of each moment.

Humility:
Recognizing the interconnectedness of all existence, acknowledging the limitations of individual knowledge and
importance, and approaching others and life with an open heart and modesty.
 Tao te ching ethical verses origin
Tao (The Way): Wu Wei (Non-Action):
Chapter 19:
Chapter 1: Chapter 2: "Give up sainthood, renounce wisdom,
"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal "Therefore the Master and it will be a hundred times better for
Tao; acts without doing anything everyone.
The name that can be named is not the and teaches without saying anything. Give up kindness, renounce morality,
eternal name. Things arise and she lets them come; and men will rediscover filial piety and
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and things disappear and she lets them go. love.“
earth; She has but doesn't possess,
The named is the mother of ten thousand acts but doesn't expect. Chapter 22:
things.“ When her work is done, she forgets it. "Yield and overcome;
That is why it lasts forever.“ bend and be straight;
Chapter 25: empty and be full;
"There was something undefined and Chapter 3: wear out and be new;
complete, "Not exalting the gifted prevents quarreling. have little and gain;
born before heaven and earth; Not collecting treasures prevents stealing. have much and be confused."
silent, amorphous, it stood alone and Not seeing desirable things prevents
unchanging. confusion of the heart.“
We may regard it as the mother of heaven
and earth.
Not knowing its name, I call it the Way.“
2. Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu):
Zhuangzi was a Daoist philosopher who lived around the 4th century BCE, during the Warring States period
in ancient China. He is the attributed author of the "Zhuangzi," another influential Taoist text. Zhuangzi is
said to have lived in the state of Song and worked as a minor government official. Like Laozi, Zhuangzi's life
is also shrouded in legend, and his philosophical contributions are derived from the "Zhuangzi" and
associated writings.

Teachings/Principles
Zhuangzi's philosophy emphasizes spontaneity, relativity, and the interconnectedness of all things. Zhuangzi
often uses humor and playful language to convey deeper philosophical insights.
Key principles include;
● Relativity of values,
● Detachment,
● and embracing the Dao in everyday life.
 Teachings/Principles
Relativity and Perspective:
Acknowledge that ethical judgments are subjective and context-dependent, cultivate empathy by considering
diverse viewpoints, and approach situations with an open mind to foster understanding and tolerance.
Spontaneity and Naturalness (Ziran):
Engage in activities authentically and without force, trusting intuition over rigid plans, allowing decisions and
actions to unfold naturally in alignment with the flow of life.
Detachment and Non-Attachment:
Cultivate emotional resilience by letting go of excessive desires and expectations, accepting situations without
undue attachment, and finding contentment in the present moment rather than being dependent on specific
outcomes.
Embracing Everyday Tao:
Infuse awareness of the Tao (the Way) into daily life, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things,
practicing mindfulness in ordinary activities, and aligning actions with the inherent harmony of the natural
order.
Relativity and Naturalness (Ziran): From Chapter 19 - "The
Perspective: From Chapter 6 - "Horses' Mountain Tree":
From Chapter 6 - "Horses' Hooves": "If a tree falls in the forest
From Chapter 2 - "The Joy Hooves": "When everyone in the and no one is around to
of Fishes": "A wise ruler does not tax world knows beauty as hear it, does it make a
"Words exist because of the people to fatten the beauty, sound?
meaning; treasury, There is already ugliness. If a wise man speaks and
Once you've gotten the Does not bring undue When everyone knows no one is around to listen,
meaning, you can forget hardship to the populace to goodness as goodness, is he still wise?"
the words. strengthen the state. There is already evil.“
Where can I find a man For he knows that the way
who has forgotten words? to increase the state is to
He is the one I would like maintain the health of the
to talk to.“ people.“

Embracing Everyday
Detachment and Non- Tao:
Spontaneity and Attachment:
3. Wang Bi:
Contribution: Wang Bi, a third-century scholar, is known for his commentary on the "Tao Te
Ching," providing an interpretation that emphasized the transcendent and immanent nature of the
Tao.
Explanation: Wang Bi's contribution is in the field of textual interpretation. He offered a unique
perspective on the "Tao Te Ching," focusing on the metaphysical aspects of Laozi's text. Wang Bi
emphasized that the Tao is both transcendent, existing beyond the realm of human experience, and
immanent, present within everything. He argued that by understanding the dual nature of the Tao,
individuals could better align themselves with it. His commentary helped to clarify the abstract
and paradoxical aspects of the "Tao Te Ching" and contributed to a deeper understanding of
Laozi's teachings.
 Teachings/Principles
Transcendent Nature of the Tao:
Explanation: The transcendent nature of the Tao in Wang Bi's interpretation refers to the ineffable and
limitless essence beyond conceptual understanding, transcending all categories and distinctions.
Action: Embrace meditation and contemplation to connect with the formless and boundless nature of the Tao,
realizing that it surpasses conventional comprehension.

Immanent Nature of the Tao:

Explanation: The immanent aspect of the Tao in Wang Bi's interpretation signifies its pervasive presence
within all things, suggesting that the Tao is imminent in the world and in every aspect of existence.
Action: Cultivate mindfulness in daily activities, recognizing the Tao in the ordinary and the extraordinary,
fostering a sense of interconnectedness with the inherent harmony of the universe.
Other Taoist Texts and Philosophers:
Liezi (Lieh Tzu):
Liezi, attributed to Lie Yukou, is another important Taoist text. It explores philosophical themes and presents stories and parables
similar to Zhuangzi. While not as well-known as the "Tao Te Ching" and Zhuangzi, Liezi's work contributes to the overall
understanding of Taoist thought.

Guanzi:
The "Guanzi" is a compilation of texts attributed to the philosopher Guan Zhong. While not exclusively Taoist, the "Guanzi" touches
upon Taoist themes, including the idea of governing in accordance with the natural order and the importance of simplicity in
leadership.

Huainanzi:
The "Huainanzi" is a complex Taoist text. It covers a wide range of topics, including cosmology, political philosophy, and ethics. The
ethical text emphasize the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with the Dao.

Daozang (Taoist Canon):

The Daozang is a collection of Taoist texts compiled over centuries. It includes a wide range of writings on philosophy, alchemy,
meditation, and ethics. While not a single author's work, the Daozang reflects the diversity of Taoist thought and contributes to the
understanding of Taoist ethics.
 “Throw away holiness and wisdom, and
people will be a hundred times happier.
Throw away morality and justice, and people
will do the right thing. Throw away industry
and profit, and there won't be any thieves.”

“If you want to become whole, let yourself be

partial. If you want to become straight, let
yourself be crooked. If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.” -Lao Tzu
 Zen-Buddhism
"A special transmission outside the scriptures; no dependence on words
and letters; direct pointing to the soul of man: You see, this instant you
attain it!“
-Bodhidharma-
 Zen
● Zen Buddhism is a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience and the practice of meditation
(zazen) as the primary means to attain enlightenment or insight into the nature of reality. It is known for its
minimalist and practical approach to spiritual awakening.
● Often simply referred to as Zen. It originated in China as Chan Buddhism (Chánzōng) before spreading to
Japan, where it became known as Zen.
● Zen does not focus on accumulation of knowledge, instead, its main focus is to stay present in the moment
without judging anything or anyone.
● It does not rely on scriptures, doctrines, or rituals. It is verified by the personal experience and is passed down
from master to disciple, hand to hand, ineffably, through hard, intimate training.
● Bodhidharma, Zen’s legendary founder.
● In Zen, the emphasis is on understanding the nature of reality, the self, and the mind through direct experience
and meditation. This is often expressed through the concept of "emptiness" (shunyata), which suggests that all
things lack inherent, unchanging existence and are interconnected. The practice of meditation and mindfulness
is intended to help practitioners see this truth for themselves and to experience a profound realization of the
nature of reality.
● Bodhidharma is important in Zen Buddhism as he is credited with introducing meditation practice and the
direct, non-conceptual approach to enlightenment to China, laying the foundation for what would become Zen.
He established the Zen patriarch lineage, emphasized the immediate experience of truth, challenged
conventional thinking, and highlighted the significance of understanding one's own mind and the practice of
meditation, making him a central figure in the development and transmission of Zen teachings and practices.
 Ethical Aspects of Zen
Zen Buddhism, as described in the provided article, has a unique approach to ethical practices. Unlike traditional
ethics systems that rely on fixed principles and clear-cut right and wrong, Zen ethics emphasize a different
perspective:
● Living with the Precepts
• To refrain from taking life (not harming or killing).
• To refrain from taking what is not freely given (not stealing).
• To refrain from sexual misconduct (engaging in harmful or unfaithful sexual behavior).
• To refrain from false speech (speaking truthfully and avoiding lying).
• To refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind and lead to heedlessness.
● Mindful Attention
● Non-Harming(ahimsa)
● Right Speech
● Doubt and Love
● Empty-Handed Approach and Non-Dualistic Inquiry
● Accepting Fallibility
“The ultimate Way is without difficulty; just
avoid picking and choosing.”

"The mind is the root from which all things

grow. If you can understand the mind,
everything else is included."

-Bodhidharma
 Islam
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know some interesting facts about animals!
 Islam
● Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is one of the
world's major religions, with over a billion followers, known as Muslims.
● At its core, Islam is based on the belief in one God, Allah (Arabic for God), and the following of the Quran,
which is considered the holy book and the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims.
● Islam also incorporates the Hadith, which are collections of sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, to
provide additional context and interpretation of the Quranic teachings.
 Brief history

Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in the city of Mecca, which is located
in present-day Saudi Arabia. The birth of Islam is associated with the life and teachings of
the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in Islam, the Angel Gabriel
(Jibril in Arabic) appeared to Muhammad in a cave on Mount Hira, near Mecca, received a
series of divine revelations from God (Allah in Arabic) over a period of years. These
revelations were later compiled into the Quran, which is considered the holy scripture of
Islam.
 Ethical Aspects of Islam
Islamic ethics are deeply rooted in the Quran and the Hadith, which provide guidelines for moral and
ethical behavior. These ethical teachings emphasize the importance of sincerity, honesty, justice,
compassion, and humility. Here are some key Islamic ethical practices:

● Tawhid (Oneness of God) ● Prohibition of Harmful Activities

● Five Pillars of Islam ● Forgiveness and Repentance
• Shahada (Faith) ● Modesty and Dress Code
• Salat (Prayer)
• Zakat (Charity)
• Sawm (Fasting)
• Hajj (Pilgrimage)
● Aims of Sharia (Maqasid al-Sharia)
● Adab (Good Manners)
● Respect for Parents and Elders
Conclusion
Eastern or Oriental ethical provide perspectives on how to
tackle the challenges faced by society. These perspectives
highlight the importance of values, like compassion, non
violence and mindfulness which can be applied effectively
to address issues such, as environmental sustainability,
mental well being, ethical consumption and fostering
intercultural understanding.
THANK YOU!