Ethics in Early Buddhism

Rating:
Summary: introduction to the Buddha's thoughts&pragmatic application
Review: The author has a deep understanding and comprehensive knowledge of the buddha's teachings. He approaches such an understanding by identifying then exiting social and philosophical problems in India. With his proper interpretation of some major Western thinkers, Dalupahana makes it easier to compare the ethical theories and draw the generalization for practical application. However, as he admits, the arugement. as he presented, for moral life is still weak for moral skeptic (p. 108). The rarity of human life still depends on the premise of rebirth and its consequences. I wish the author has used and compared the Platonic argument for moral life with the Buddha's. Overall, Kalupahana makes a great contribution to the understanding of the "heart" of the buddhist thoughts. It would be even a greater contribution should he venture into contemporary buddhist ethics.