The Six Paramitas - Ethical Discipline
- rklabuddhistcenter
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Kyohei Mikawa
Minister, Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Center of Los Angeles
Yesterday in this blog, we explored "generosity", the first of the Buddha's Six Paramitas, based on Ani Lodro's recent book The End of Suffering. Before discussing the next element--"ethical discipline"--I would ilke to share a brief "field report" from my "generosity" practice last night: consciously spending time with my children, which is often challenging.
It went well with a surprising turn. Before going to bed, my kids and I revisited spiritual conversations we used to have about five years ago while living in the Midwest. Emotionally warmed by this kind exchange, I realized that practicing generosity, for instance, by being fully present for someone important in my life, can create a spiritually and emotionally fulfilling space for myself. However, as Ani gently reminds us, such result should not be sought as a return at the moment of practicing generosity. The true motive of generosity should be free from expectation. It needs to be compassion and care without purpose or agenda. Genuine compassion, the Buddha nature within us, unfolds naturally when it is not interfered with purpose. Our society values purpose. But Buddhism values purposelessness, which is an essential condition that contributes to unfolding our inherent compassion and wholehearted care. (Meditation and sutra recitation can help us be liberated from purposes.)
Today, Tuesday, March 10, let us explore the second element of the Six Paramitas: ethical discipline, according to Ani's book. She writes, "From a Buddhist view, ethical discipline is a foundation for clarity and trust. It's essential training that allows us to quiet the mind and find our own wisdom to guide our lives. (p.107)" After introducing the concept, Ani presents an eye-opening chart (p.108) that contrasts the normative values of modern culture with those of Buddhism:
She then discusses the "external norms" that can lead us toward unethical behavior today (p.108-109):
Advertising normalizes deceit (e.g., exaggerating benefits, hiding terms)
Social media rewards performance over authenticity
Corporate success often involves domination (e.g., underpaying workers, harming the environment)
The "hustle culture" idolizes burnout and selfish ambition, denying rest, presence, and ethical boundaries.
While living in the world shaped by these external norms, Buddhists can make a "revolutionary (p.109)" vow:
"I will not harm for the sake of gain.
I will not abandon kindness for the sake of speed.
I will not sell my peace for approval. (p.109)"
Ani suggests that practicing ethical discipine is how we can transform our lives and our world. This resonates deeply with what the Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist community strives for:
"When enough of us live from this place, in home offices, in emails, in daily choices, a new culture emerges: one rooted not in dominance or denial but in truth, compassion, and real strength. (p.109)"
What might ethical discipline look like in daily life? Today, I will practice not acting on the urge to give advice while others are speaking--whether with my family, my dharma family during study sessions, or anyone communicating with me by email or phone. The goal is not to do this perfectly, but to strive sincerely and reflect on the experience so that I can internalize what I learn through practice. What form of ethical discipline will you practice today? As shared yesterday, you can use the following chart to get through the week with me:
Wondrously,
Kyohei