Buddhist ethical worship
Kamma
The Buddha taught that karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. is important as it it means that people have the power to determine their own destiny through their actions. Through kamma people can be set free from ignorance and suffering. Thinking about how they behave enables Buddhists to do good things in their life.
Buddhists should try to follow the The Noble Eightfold PathBuddhist practises that can lead to the end of suffering and the cycle of rebirth: right views, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. and the teachings of the Buddha so that they do not cause suffering. This enables them to reach enlightenmentThe realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth. and freedom from samsaraIn Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, this is the cycle of life, death and rebirth..
Kamma is the idea that all actions (no matter how big or small) have consequences. However, for Buddhists it is more specific than that, as they believe that there are skilful and unskilful actions. A skilful action is one that produces happiness, whereas an unskilful action is one that produces suffering.
| Examples of skilful actions | Examples of unskilful actions |
| Being kind | Being unkind |
| Being generous | Being selfish |
| Being helpful to others | Not helping others |
| Examples of skilful actions | Being kind |
|---|---|
| Examples of unskilful actions | Being unkind |
| Examples of skilful actions | Being generous |
|---|---|
| Examples of unskilful actions | Being selfish |
| Examples of skilful actions | Being helpful to others |
|---|---|
| Examples of unskilful actions | Not helping others |
In the Dhammapada (181–187), the Buddha taught how to become an arhatA person who has achieved enlightenment following the Buddha’s teaching. through ridding yourself of pleasures and following the Four Noble TruthsThe truths discovered by the Buddha during his enlightenment.. He also spoke of the importance of controlling the senses, trying to become free of cravings, not doing evil things, and practising patience and concentration.
The wise who practise jhana [training of the mind] concentration and Insight Meditation take delight in the peace of liberation from sensual pleasures and moral defilements.