#10 Ethical Guidelines - Spiritual Humanism

Ethical guidelines are not rigid rules. They are flexible rules that need to be adapted to each specific situation. However, flexibility and adaptation does not mean that anything goes. The goal of reducing suffering and promoting well-being places limits on the flexibility and adaptation of ethical guidelines.

I do my best to uphold 10 ethical guidelines based on Buddhist teachings.

Do not be idolatrous about any doctrine, theory, or ideology. All systems of thought are means of guidance, not absolute truths. ¹
Do not think the knowledge one possesses is absolute or changeless. Avoid narrow-mindedness and excessive attachment to specific views. Remain open to the views of others. ¹
Do not coerce or force others to adopt one’s own views. Do not use authority, threat, money, propaganda, mandatory education, or any other means to coerce or force others to adopt one’s own views. ¹
Do not engage in harmful speech. Do not engage in speech that is deceitful, hateful, judgmental, or destructive. Do not engage in speech that creates or worsens conflict. Instead, speak constructively and compassionately. Speak up for the fair treatment and safety of others, and make every effort to reconcile and resolve conflicts. ^{1, 2}
Do not steal or possess anything that should belong to others. Respect the property others, and avoid exploiting others. ^{1, 2}
Do not engage in sexual misconduct. Do not sexually harass, sexually abuse, or sexually assault others. Protect the physical and mental well-being of sexual partners. Do not carelessly bring a new life into this world. ^{1, 2}
Do not harm others. Do not injure, abuse, or kill others. ^{1, 2}
Do not allow people to harm others. Use whatever methods are needed to stop people from harming others, but remember to care both for the people inflicting harm and for the people escaping harm. Always prefer the use of nonviolent methods. It is tragic when forceful methods are used. Mourn the use of forceful methods as though it were a funeral. ^{3, 4}
Do not maintain anger or hatred. Learn to regulate one’s emotions. Practice loving-kindness meditation, compassion, and dialogue to deeply understand others. ¹
Do not turn away from suffering. Do not avoid, ignore, or lose awareness of the suffering of others. Be alert for opportunities to share time, energy, and material resources with those in need. ¹

I am not perfect in upholding these guidelines. I sometimes make mistakes. I sometimes fall prey to temptations. I sometimes fail to live up to my own values. When I fall short of the guidelines, I ask forgiveness from anyone who was harmed and try to make amends. I quickly return to upholding the guidelines.

References

Thich Nhat Hanh (2020). Interbeing, 4th Edition. Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press. Fourteen precepts are listed on pages 179-183.
Hsing Yun (2010). For All Living Beings. Los Angelos, CA: Buddha’s Light Publishing. Five precepts are listed on page 2.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (2000). Commitments of the Bodhisattvas, 3rd Revised Edition. Translated in Singapore by the students of the Amitabha Buddhist Center. Edited by Constance Miller. Published by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition Education Services. I follow the 45th branch vow found on page 30 as an ethical guideline.
Tao Te Ching. Translated by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English (1972). New York, NY: Vintage Books. Page 33 says the following: “Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not tools of the wise. They use them only when there is no choice. Peace and quiet are dear to their hearts, And victory no cause for rejoicing. If you rejoice in victory, then you delight in killing; If you delight in killing, you cannot fulfill yourself. …This means that war is conducted like a funeral. When many people are killed, they should be mourned in heartfelt sorrow. That is why a victory must be observed like a funeral.”