Bioethics

• Defining Bioethics

  • The ethics surrounding biomedical issues and interference with human life

    • Bioethics deals with issues like:

      • Abortion

      • Genetic engineering

      • Stem cell therapy

      • Euthanasia

• Sources of Ethical Authority

  • These ethical authorities function as guides rather than strict ethical rulebooks

  • Sacred Texts

    • The most important source of authority for Buddhists

      • The Tripitaka is the primary textual authority for all Buddhists, being accepted by all variants

      • The Mahayana sutras and and Vajrayana texts, which are accepted by these two schools, alongside the Tripitaka

  • Buddhist leaded and the Sangha (Monks and Nuns)

    • Many bioethical issues didn’t exist when the sacred texts were written, so the commentary of modern Buddhist leaders is super important.

  • Buddhism emphasised individual interpretation of the dharma

• Key Ethical Teachings

  • Five Precepts

    • Fundamental code of ethics for lay Buddhists (Normal Buddhists - not a monk)

      • The five precepts are a set of commitments that forbid:

        • Killing

        • Stealing

        • Sexual misconduct

        • Lying

        • Intoxication

      • Together, the Precepts develop and individuals mind and character, so they can reach enlightenment.

      • The First precept “Do not take life” is particularly relevant for bioethics.

        • Forbids killing or harming living beings

  • Karuna

    • The desire to see and end to the suffering of others - compelling Buddhists to help someone in need

      • Tied with empathy and concern for others feelings

    • Buddhist leaders also express the need for Karuna

      • 14th Dalai Lama states “The essence of Buddhism is kindness and compassion”

      • Karuna is at the heart of Buddhist interaction with all living beings

  • Karma

    • The idea that all actions have consequences

      • Buddhists believe every action one takes will affect them in the future; either in this life of by determini g the nature of their rebirth.

        • Because of Karma, Buddhists must be extremely mindful of their actions

  • These three ethical teaching encourage Buddhists to act without harming others, in a compassionate and mindful way.

• Application of Buddhist Bioethics

  • Abortion

    • In general, Buddhists oppose abortion

      • But this opposition is not universal or unconditional.

    • Utilitarian (For)

      • Some Buddhists support abortion in exceptional circumstances out of compassion for the mother

        • Mahayana Buddhists massively emphasise karuna, so are more likely to tolerate abortion when birth would cause suffering

    • Absolutist (Against)

      • Abortion is seen as the taking of a life, violating the first precept.

        • This violation incurs bad karmic consequences

    • Synthesis

      • THAILAND

        • Abortion is strictly prohibited by law, except under exceptional circumstances (a Theravada country)

      • JAPAN

        • Abortion is seen as a “necessary sorrow” (A Mahayana country)

          • Never morally good

          • Sometimes necessary for compassionate reasons

        • Japanese Buddhists recognise abortion can lead to negative Karma

        • To offset it, they perform a ritual called “Mizuko Kuyo” to honour and comfort the aborted foetus.

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