Ebook: In the Hope of Nibbana: the Ethics of Theravada Buddhism

The words "in the hope of nibbana" are often found printed on invitations to anniversaries or festival meals, sent by the Burmese to their friends. Early in the morning, monks are fed, followed by other invited friends who arrive for a good social meal together. All of this is done, as the invitation reassures, "in the hope of nibbana". Thus does the ordinary Buddhist, himself far from nibbana, honor those who are striving, humbly hoping that his modest charitable efforts will somehow by the process of kammic multiplication add up to a nibbanic sum in the end. Such words characterize the Bu.;Cover; Copyright; CONTENTS; Author's Foreword; Part I Background and Framework; The Framework of Self-Perfection; The Self as Subject to Kamma and Rebirth; Nibbana and Ethical Values; Part II Content and Application-Buddhist Ethics in Practice; Transitional; The Ethical Judgment; The Basic Personal Ethical Pattern; The Good Society and its Betterment; The New Situation and the Response; In Search of a Social Ethic; Whither Buddhist Ethic; Postscript; Appendix Killing and Meat-Eating; Notes; Bibliography; Subject Index.