Buddhism is a philosophy that’s deeply rooted in compassion and understanding, and it’s often linked to profound ethical teachings. The Buddhist tradition has central values that guide individuals towards a path of wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. To that end, the fundamental values of Buddhism are detailed below, paying close attention to its ethical framework and highlighting the significance of charity in the faith.

The Four Noble Truths

Buddhism is built upon the Four Noble Truths, revealed by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. These truths form the cornerstone of philosophy and ethical practice. The first of the Noble Truths is known as dukkha, and this acknowledges the existence of suffering that’s inherent in human life. Secondly is tanha, which identifies the origin of suffering, with craving and attachment being the root causes. The Third Noble Truth highlights that liberation can be achieved from suffering through the cessation of craving. Last but not least, the final of the Four Noble Truths is the Eightfold Path, which is a practical guide to living a life that’s free from suffering, encompassing ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.

Ethical Conduct

Ethical conduct is central to Buddhism, which is brought to life through the cultivation of virtues like compassion, loving, kindness, and mindfulness. Buddhists follow the Five Precepts, which are the foundational guidelines of moral integrity and harmonious living. The precepts are abstaining from harming living beings, refraining from taking what isn’t freely given, abstaining from false speech, and refraining from intoxicants that cloud the mind. Practitioners observe these precepts to cultivate a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others, which fosters harmony and goodwill in society.

Charity in Buddhism

Charity, or dana, is highly significant in Buddhism, as it reflects the virtue of generosity and the interconnectedness of all beings. In Buddhism, charity goes way beyond just material giving; instead, it embodies the spirit of selflessness and compassion. The act of giving is a transformative practice – it purifies the mind and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with others. Buddhist scriptures extol the virtues of generosity, emphasizing their role in cultivating positive qualities like joy, gratitude, and empathy.

Perhaps the most famous expression of charity in Buddhism is the practice of Dana Paramita, which is the perfection of generosity. Dana Paramita encourages practitioners to give freely and without attachment; the purpose is to recognize that true generosity arises from a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of others. From donating material possessions to offering time or skills, Dana Paramita works to nurture a generous heart and foster a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of existence.

Buddhism isn’t the only faith that prioritizes charity. For instance, eligible Muslims give Zakat to the less fortunate, which is essentially a tax on wealth. It works to ensure that wealth is shared among the Muslim community or “Ummah”, as everyone has an obligation to look after one another.

The Benefits of Charity

Charity boasts a number of benefits, not only for the recipient but also for the giver. For instance, in the Buddhist community, it’s believed that acts of generosity generate positive karmic merits, which contribute to a person’s spiritual growth and well-being. A generous disposition allows individuals to transcend self-centeredness and cultivate a sense of abundance and contentment. Similarly, charity is a known antidote to greed, hatred, and delusion, which are known as the three poisons that obstruct spiritual progress. Practitioners are able to purify their minds through acts of giving, as well as cultivate virtues and pave the way for greater spiritual insight and liberation.

Buddhism is the most common faith in Singapore, meaning locals typically practice the above values daily.