1.What is the relationship between Buddhist Cosmology and the human mental development?
- decline of humanity linked to close of society in Cosmology
2.Examine the reasons why Buddhism emphasizes so much on sharing (giving)
- Karma, merit, food/wealth to poor prevents decline of society, give fearlessness through precepts (Lecture 5)
3.Discuss the importance of the Four Immeasurables in promoting a harmonious society.
- 1) Love or Loving-kindness (Pali: mettā, Skt: maitrī 慈) which seeks to overcome the human vice of anger;
- 2) Compassion (Pali & Skt: karuṇā 悲) which seeks to overcome the vice of cruelty;
- 3) Appreciative Joy (Pali & Skt: muditā 喜) which seeks to overcome the vice of jealousy and
- 4) Equanimity or impartiality (Pali: upekkhā, Skt: upekṣa 捨) which seeks to overcome the vice of prejudice
4.Discuss the Buddhist way to improve human relations.
- (1) giving or sharing of material things, Dharma or something people like -- Dāna
- (2) using kind words, pleasant talk -- Piyavācana
- (3) beneficial actions for the purpose of benefiting other -- Atthacariya
- (4) physically working together with them -- Samānattata
5.Discuss the magic of right speech in dealing with human relation.
- Lecture 5, speak only pleasant words
6.“The five precepts are the basis of peaceful society.” Discuss
- By all members of a society or community observing same moral code, everyone benefits.
7.Does Buddhism advocate righteous war, if not why?
- Precepts and monastic rules prohibit killing, encouraging of killing. Lecture 6
8.Is wealth the source of human happiness? -- Discuss in the light of Buddhist teaching.
- Wealth does not provide happiness, but does provide the means by which to focus on the path to happiness (enabler)
9.“Buddhist ethics is purely psychological”. Discuss.
- Wisdom, volition of thoughts, behavior, precepts.
10.“Buddhism plays a passive role in protecting the nature”. Discuss.
- Active roll, through precepts, pursuit of enlightenment to relieve suffering of all beings
11.“Filial piety is a special feature of Chinese Buddhism.” Discuss.
- Most important in Confucianism, so Buddhist adopted it when teaching to Chinese. (Lecture 10)
12.Does Buddhism support suicide and euthanasia?
- First precept of not killing, not encouraging killing. "Passive" suicide gray area.
13.Does Buddhism really promote gender equality?
- Does not diminish against women, culture in history was primary to men. Teachings mirror the times.
14.Are there human rights in Buddhism?
- All of the above feed into.
1) Buddhist perspectives on suicide and euthanasia
2) Is Buddhism environmentally friendly?
3) Filial Piety is a special feature of Chinese Buddhism
4) Ethical code is essential for the wellbeing and development of the society
5) Examine the relationship of Sila, Samadhi and Panna to the Noble Eightfold Path.
6) Differences between Kusala and Punna in Buddhism.
7) In Buddhism, can women attain enlightenment?
8) The benefits of Dana
9) Is violence justified in Buddhism?
10) Buddhist way to a harmonious society- The Four Sublime States of Mind
11) Buddhist Cosmology and Nibbana
12) Can Buddhism justify war?
13) The function of wealth in Buddhism.
14) Gender equality in Buddhism
15) The relation of Five Precepts to one’s everyday life.