The Nature of Emptiness and Buddhist Ethics

空的本質與佛教倫理

稻田龜男(Kenneth K. Inada)

《中華佛學學報》 13期(下) (2000/05) Pp. 172-187

https://doi.org/10.6986/CHBJ.200005.0172

摘要

佛教倫理隨其主要教理的大力影響而令人矚目。它的焦點集中在本質為瞬間消逝而呈動態的無我（anatman）哲學，以及伴隨而來的中道（madhyama-pratipad）、緣起（pratitya-samutpada）概念與空（sunyata）的本質。但是，比理解這些概念更為根本的是親身力行眾所周知的八正道，終而歸結於正定（samadhi），從此在空性的支撐下開啟對事物的認知。最後的結論是一珍貴的觀點：以智慧（prajna）與慈悲（karuna）對待一切有情與無情。動態無我的重要在於它展示了教理內涵的現代性意義，而此教理是歷史上的佛陀所親口宣說。沒有這項教理，就不可能發展佛教倫理。它促成我們得以以更寬闊、深入與有彈性的方式，去認知在團體或社交場合之間彼此的接觸、交際與活動。空的本質使得這種認知成為可能。更明確地說，覺察到他人與自己是彼此依存且互動的關係，有助於發展出一種獨特的道德感。它將人們以更為互利與和諧的方式緊緊繫屬在一起，因此能維繫並永續發展一個健康而且欣欣向榮的社會。

關鍵字

動態無我 ； 空 ； 倫理 ； 中道 ； 緣起

並列摘要

Buddhist ethics can be compelling by the sheer force of its principal doctrines. It focuses on the nature of the elusive but dynamic nonself (anatman) doctrine and brings together such concepts as the middle way (madhyama-pratipad), relational origination (pratitya-samutpada) and the nature of emptiness (sunyata). But more basic to the understanding of these concepts is the need to practice the well known Eightfold Noble Path that finally caps in meditative discipline (samadhi) that breaks open into the perception of things under the aegis of emptiness. The result is a rare vision, an insight (prajna) and compassion (karuna) for all living and nonliving creatures. The dynamic nonself is important in that it exhibits the contemporary significance of the content of a doctrine expounded by the historical Buddha. Without this doctrine, it would not be possible to develop Buddhist ethics. It compels us to perceive our contacts, association and actions in a group or social setting in a broader, deeper and flexible ways. The nature of emptiness allows this perception. More specifically, the awareness of others in mutually binding and dynamic ways give rise to a unique form of moral sense. It binds people together in ways that are gainful and harmonious, thus perpetuating and sustaining a healthy and productive society.

並列關鍵字

Dynamic Nonself ； Emptiness ； Ethics ； Middle Way ； Relational Origination

參考文獻

(1990).Asian Perspective on Human Rights.

Naagaarjuna.