Criteria for Judging the Unwholesomeness of Actions in the Texts of Theravaada
Buddhism
Peter Harvey
Abstract:
After briefly reviewing the role of ethics on the path in Theravaada texts,
the article moves on to discuss the various criteria for distinguishing
between wholesome and unwholesome actions. It then explores the gradation
of unwholesomeness of actions according to several variables, and then
applies this to wholesome actions, here highlighting the importance of
right view. Finally, the question of the relation between precept-taking
and the moral worth of actions is assessed.
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