Buddhist Personal Laws

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Without the Laws in this country, the world would be full of chaos. (TalonsPhilosophy). The laws determine what is right and wrong, they allow us to make a conscious decision, and mould us into the people that allow a functioning society to evolve, people with virtues. Except when there is no law to assist you, the decision you make is extracted from what we define to be our morals. However, these morals aren't something you are born with, they are your own personal laws/rules that you develop from family, friends and surrounding community; such as the seven virtues; Humility, Kindness, Abstinence, Chastity, Patience, Liberality and Diligence. For some, that community is their religion, such as Christianity and Judaism; whilst for others it …show more content…

Berlin also mentions that Buddhists view of giving is an expression of the natural qualities of kindness and compassion; similar to traditional Buddhists, older Buddhists, who practiced 'giving alms, food, medicine and clothing to monks and to monasteries in exchange for teachings and merit. This relationship is seen to be a sacred mutual dependence, and merit is shared on both sides for the benefit of all. These good actions were believed to help them in their personal quest for Nirvana. ' From 'Budsas', "You perform real charity if you can give freely without expecting anything in return". If someone donates and expects material or verbal praise then they are only performing an act of bartering, a charitable person should not make them feel indebted to them. "The act of true charity is wholesome, has no strings attached". Buddhist view charity as an act to reduce personal greed, which hinders spiritual growth. To avoid hindering their spiritual growth, Buddhists try their best to reduce their selfishness by giving what they have for the benefit of others, whether …show more content…

There is no set law saying one must donate to charities. There are laws on what makes a charity legitimate, such as the Charites Act 2013, these said charities have to be not-for-profit, only have charitable purposes that are for the public benefit, not have disqualifying purpose, not be an individual, a political party or a government entity. So why do Atheists donate to charity? Jac Dittmar, Communications Team for the Atheist Foundation of Australia, revealed his thoughts through email about the reality of Charity in Atheist. 'Atheists are absolutely no different in their moral/ethical propensity than healthy, well-adjusted and intelligent humans beings anywhere in the world, be the theists or not.' Dittmar believes that if a rigorous and honest examination of religions will expose them all as nothing more than ancient superstitions born out of ignorance and promoted by those who have an interest in doing so. The only difference between atheist and theist donating is that atheist are charitable due to recognising distress and it awakens a desire to alleviate- whether it be from compassion or pity, empathy or the loft desire to make a difference. In a most bias opinion, Dittmar also determines that those who aren't atheist are considered to be have an 'ethical egoism' and only donate to charity as a way to buy themselves a ticket into heaven, With a non-belief of heaven, it can be logically

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