ASIAN
ETHICAL
TRADITIONS
A PRESENTATION BY GROUP 5
INTRODUCTION
Western vs. Eastern Ethical Thought:
• Western philosophy focuses on self-realization and
individual morality.
• Eastern traditions (India, China) provide a broader
perspective on ethics and are influential in Filipino ethical
beliefs.
INTRODUCTION
Filipino Ethical Beliefs (influenced by Indian & Chinese
traditions):
• Belief in karma: bad deeds result in consequences.
• Honoring ancestors is considered vital.
• The world is believed to be ordered by heaven.
INTRODUCTION
Common Themes in Asian Spiritual and Intellectual Traditions
(Manuel B. Dy):
1. Intertwined Religious and Ethical Thought
2. Love and Compassion
3. Connection Between Personal Cultivation and Social
Responsibility
4. Path to Enlightenment
5. Harmony with Existence
THE VEDA AND
UPHANISHADS
The Vedas
VEDA
1. Wisdom 3.
Vision
C
2.
Knowledge
VEDAS VEDIC RELIGION
The Vedas are a collection of hymns
and other religious texts composed
- Vedism is the oldest stratum of
in India between about 1500 ang
religious activity in India for which
1000 BCE. It includes elements such
there exist written materials. It
as liturgical material as well as
was one of the major traditions
mythological accounts, poems,
that shaped Hinduism.
prayers, and formulas considered to
be sacred by the Vedic Religion.
The basic Vedic texts are
the Samhita "Collections" of the four Vedas:
RIG VEDA SAMA VEDA YAJUR VEDA ATHARVA VEDA
"Knowledge of the "Knowledge of the "Knowledge of the "Knowledge of the
Hymns of Praise" Melodies" Sacrificial formulas" Magic formulas"
UPHANISHADS
• The term Upanishad means literally "those who sit near".
• Upa- near, ni- down, sad- to sit: Sitting near the teacher.
• Collected by several seers and elders between 800-500
BCE, the Upanishads are a conclusion and
accomplishment of a previous form of Hindu sacred texts
called the Vedas
• Upanishads are Vedanta: End of the Vedas.
Path of Spiritual Enlightenment
SAMSARA KARMA
The concept of Karma means
Samsara is "action" and signifies
reincarnation, the that every action has
idea that after we consequences,
die our soul will be shaping future lives.
reborn again in It operates as an
another body. eternal, natural law
without judgment or
forgiveness.
DHARMA MAKSHA
means "right behavior" means "liberation"
or duty, emphasizing from the endless
social obligations cycle of rebirth,
specific to one's caste. offering ultimate
For instance, peace and freedom
Kshatriyas considered from suffering.
dying in battle the
highest honor.
UPHANISHADS
• The Upanishads tell us that the core of our own self is not
the body, or the mind, but atman or "Self".
• Brahman is the one underlying substance of the universe,
the unchanging "Absolute Being", the intangible essence
of the existence.
Buddhism
Buddhism
• Buddhism started in ancient India over 2,500 years ago.
• It was founded by Gautama Buddha; a prince who saw
that life is full of suffering.
• He tried extreme methods but found balance and
enlightenment.
• By understanding suffering, people can find peace and live
better lives.
• Enlightenment helps people escape the cycle of life and
death.
“Chatvari-arya
-satyani.”
The Four Truths
1. Dukkha
In the cycle of death, life, and
rebirth, there is constant
suffering. 2.
Karma
Is the cause of this suffering,
particularly no virtuous action, and the
negative mental states that motivate
such actions.
“Chatvari-arya
-satyani.”
The Four Truths
3. Nirvana
Is the dissolution of suffering
which is the fruit of the
surrender of the ego.
4.
Astangika-marga
How human beings ought to live a
life free from suffering by following
the Eightfold Path
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
1. Correct View
An accurate understanding of the nature of
things, specifically the Four Noble Truths
2. Correct Intention
Avoiding thoughts of attachment, hatred,
and harmful intent
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
2. Correct Intention
Avoiding thoughts of attachment, hatred,
and harmful intent
3. Correct Speech
Refraining from verbal misdeeds such as
lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and
senseless speech
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
3. Correct Speech
Refraining from verbal misdeeds such as
lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and
senseless speech
4. Correct Action
Refraining from physical misdeeds such as
killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
4. Correct Action
Refraining from physical misdeeds such as
killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct
5. Correct Livelihood
Avoiding trades that directly or indirectly harm
others, such as selling slaves, weapons, animals for
slaughter, intoxicants, or poisons
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
5. Correct Livelihood
Avoiding trades that directly or indirectly harm
others, such as selling slaves, weapons, animals for
slaughter, intoxicants, or poisons
6. Correct Effort
Abandoning negative states of mind that have already arisen,
preventing negative states that have yet to arise, and
sustaining positive states that have already arisen
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
6. Correct Effort
Abandoning negative states of mind that have already arisen,
preventing negative states that have yet to arise, and
sustaining positive states that have already arisen
7. Correct Mindfulness
awareness of body, feelings, thought, and
phenomena (the constituents of the existing
world)
The Eighth Path
Astangika-marga
7. Correct Mindfulness
awareness of body, feelings, thought, and
phenomena (the constituents of the existing
world)
8. Correct Concentration
Single mindedness.
BuddhismSUMMARY
• Buddhism teaches mindful and ethical living to achieve a
full life.
• The Eightfold Path guides actions that are constructive
and non-harmful.
• Indian ethical traditions aim for transcendence and
genuine human existence.
CHINESE PHILOSOPHY
AND CONFUCIAN
ETHICS
Chinese Philosophy
• Chinese philosophy is a rich tradition that has greatly
influenced the ethical, political, and social fabric of
Chinese culture for over two millennia. One of the most
prominent schools within Chinese philosophy is
Confucianism, which emphasizes moral virtues, social
harmony, and proper relationships.
Concepts of Confucianism
Ren (仁)
Li (礼)
Xiao (孝)
Yi (义)
Zhi (智)
Ren (仁)
Benevolence or Humaneness:
Represents compassion, kindness,
and shared humanity. Encourages
acting with integrity and caring for
others' well-being, following the
principle: "Do not do to others what
you do not want done to yourself."
Li (礼)
Xiao (孝)
Yi (义)
Ren (仁)
Li (礼)
Ritual, Propriety, and Social Etiquette:
Refers to rituals, etiquette, and proper
behavior in human interactions.
Emphasizes respect for tradition and
social hierarchy to maintain harmony
and stability in relationships and
society.
Xiao (孝)
Yi (义)
Zhi (智)
Li (礼)
Xiao (孝)
Filial Piety:
Emphasizes respect and care for
parents and elders, extending to
emotional and moral support, as well
as honoring ancestors and family
traditions.
Yi (义)
Zhi (智)
Xiao (孝)
Yi (义)
Righteousness:
Reflects a moral commitment to
doing what is right, prioritizing justice
and integrity over personal gain, and
embodying moral courage in difficult
situations.
Zhi (智)
Yi (义)
Zhi (智)
Wisdom:
Represents sound judgment based on
knowledge and virtue, applied to
promote social harmony and human
flourishing.
The Importance of
Relationships:
Confucian ethics places great importance
on relationships, especially those within the
family and society.
These relationships are the foundation of
social harmony, and each relationship
carries specific ethical responsibilities.
The Five Key:
Relationships:
Confucius outlined five key relationships:
• ruler and subject
• parent and child
• husband and wife
• elder sibling and younger sibling
• and friend
Each of these relationships has distinct duties
and expectations based on mutual respect
and care.
The Role of the
Gentleman (Junzi) :
In Confucianism, the Junzi (gentleman or
superior person) is the ideal moral figure
who embodies virtues like Ren, Li, Yi, and Zhi.
The Junzi is someone who has cultivated
these moral qualities through education,
reflection, and self-discipline. They lead by
example and contribute to the betterment of
society.
Unlike the term "gentleman" in the Western
sense, a Junzi is not defined by social class
but by moral excellence.
Confucianism and
Governance :
Confucian ethics extends beyond personal
morality into the realm of politics.
Confucius believed that rulers should
govern with virtue, and that their moral
integrity would inspire the people to follow.
He advocated for.
The Mandate of
Heaven
(Tianming) :
A ruler’s right to govern is granted by
heaven, but this mandate is contingent on
the ruler’s virtue. If the ruler is corrupt or
unjust, they lose the Mandate of Heaven and
can be overthrown.
Merit-based
leadership :
Leaders should be chosen
based on their moral character
and abilities, not by birthright
or wealth.
Confucianism's
Influence :
Confucianism has profoundly shaped
Chinese society and has influenced much
of East Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan,
and Vietnam. Its ideas about family,
respect for elders, social harmony, and the
importance of education are still deeply
embedded in many Asian cultures today.
Criticism and
Modern
Relevance:
Confucianism has shaped Chinese ethics
but is criticized for promoting hierarchy and
limiting freedom. Despite this, it remains
important in teaching morals, family
values, and leadership. Its virtues, like Ren,
Li, and Xiao, guide ethical living and benefit
society. Modern views adapt it to address
issues like justice and human rights.
CONCLUSION
Asian ethics, like Buddhism and
Confucianism, are important for Filipino
students as they shape local values. These
traditions focus on living a good life by
aligning with the universe's order, such as
the Dao or Brahma. Unlike Western ethics,
they emphasize moral harmony over rules,
offering timeless lessons for personal and
social growth.
Thank
you!