A Development of the Ethical Principles Based on the Buddhist Thoughts for the Sustainable Development

Abstract

The three objectives of this research article were purposely made: 1) to study the components and values of ethics based on Buddhist concepts in order, 2) to develop ethical principles based on Buddhist concepts, and 3) to promote sustainable development and to drive the relationship between ethical principles based on Buddhist concepts that promote sustainable development. This research employed the qualitative research methodology done by studying documents and by interviewing expertise in the related religions. In the research, it was clearly found that 1) Ethical components, consisting of (1) a Main components, consisting of good (wholesome) and bad (unwholesome) actions; (2) Social and political components, namely equality, rights, and freedom; (3) Economic components, namely living a simple life and relying on external factors as little as possible, emphasizing a “moral life” more than a “good life”, which emphasizes material comfort; (4) Educational components, namely education in Buddhism focuses on developing the wisdom and morality of each individual; and ethical values, namely 1) Necessity values, namely values related to things necessary for life; 2) Functional values, namely values related to roles and duties in society. Ethical criteria based on Buddhist thought to promote sustainable development consist of (1) Relative criteria, which are individual judgments and social judgments that propose that society determines what is good and bad. (2) Absolute criteria, which are related to the principle of karma and mental definition. Ethical criteria, therefore, consider that goodness in Buddhism has both relative and absolute dimensions, indicating that individuals and society play a role in determining goodness, but must not conflict with natural law or the ultimate goal of escaping suffering. 3) Driving the relationship of ethical criteria based on Buddhist thought to promote sustainable development found that (1) the relationship and sustainable development in physical and mental aspects, which is considered through personal goodness and social goodness, including conflicts between goodness and duty, and (2) the relationship of ethics to promote sustainable development in terms of knowledge. As a role of religion and Buddhist principles should be promoted by enabling temples and religions to participate in supporting education and social development.