Theory of Knowledge - Course Companion for Students Marija Uzunova Dang Arvin Singh Uzunov Dang

IV. Ethics
1962, generals seized power in Myanmar
In
known as Burma) in a coup d’état that
(formerly
the beginning of decades of totalitarian
marked
rule. Initially, this regime sought to
military
a secular socialist state, but it could
establish
ignore the deeply entrenched cultural and
not
traditions centred around Buddhism,
religious
have been central to Burmese government
which
generals have had a tense and challenging
The
with the Buddhist monastic order,
relationship
as the sangha. They have donated money
known
monasteries and sought the endorsement
to
religious leaders, but they have also been
of
of periodically killing, imprisoning or
accused
monks and destroying monasteries.
torturing
monks have marched in defiance and
The
offerings, as they did in the September
refused
Saffron Revolution.
2007
that you have reached the end of this
Now
on religion and morality, consider the
section
(a) How would you describe the
1.
between religion and
relationship
is morality known in religion, and
How
whom? by
appears to be a simple
Patta-nikkujjana-kamma
with nothing obviously intimidating about it—it
act
monks simply overturning their bowls—
involves
to those who understand the implications it is
but
act of moral condemnation, of peaceful protest
an
ordinarily detached monks moved to seek
from
One of the tenets of Theravada Buddhism is
justice.
monks must live in relation with the rest of the
that
through alms, or donations of food and other
society
necessities.
is therefore a public
Patta-nikkujjana-kamma
that takes place in front of the oender,
protest
the message that “even if we were
communicating
starve, we would not accept your oerings”. The
to
grievances must be addressed before life can
moral
continue.
To what extent are the different religions
2.
or different in this regard?
similar
Have you ever noticed religion condone
3.
and/or unethical beliefs and
immoral
6
Non-violent moral protest: Pattanikkujjana-kamma
and culture for centuries.
For discussion and reflection
following questions.
actions? If so:
morality?
(a)
how did this dissonance occur
(b)
why was it condoned?
(b)
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