While there are numerous books on Buddhist meditation and philosophy, there are few books that are entirely devoted to the practice of Buddhist ethics. Here Subhadramati, an experienced teacher of meditation and ethics, communicates clearly both their founding principles and the practical methods to embody them. She begins by stating that Buddhist ethics don't see human nature as something to be beaten into submission, tamed, or domesticated. Buddhism is not trying "to cure life of itself." Buddhism is about fulfilling our human nature, not diminishing it, and its ethics are both the means and the expression of this fulfillment. In Buddhism, being ethical means being truly human.
Buddhist ethics are thus not about conforming to a set of conventions, not about "being good" in order to gain material, social, or religious rewards. Instead, as Subhadramati outlines, living ethically springs from the awareness that other people are essentially no different from ourselves. We can, if we choose, actively develop this awareness, through cultivating more and more love, clarity, and contentment. Helping us to come into a greater harmony with all that lives, including ourselves, this is ultimately a guidebook to a more satisfactory life.
Subhadramati is a teacher of meditation and Buddhism at the London Buddhist Centre. This is her first book.
Industry Reviews
'Not About Being Good is a skilful book about how to be ethical, full of personal material that is easy to identify with as well as wise stories that give one valuable food for thought. The style is lively and easy to read. The author's own struggles with the issues are disarmingly revealed as the book takes the reader on a progressive journey from scepticism to confidence and from confusion to more robust practice.' - David Brazier, author
'This book does an excellent job in placing ethics and meditation at the heart of Buddhist practice, and shows how they work together in transforming ordinary human beings into Buddhas.' - Damien Keown, Professor of Buddhist Ethics
'Subhadramati's book on Buddhist ethics is something new and very welcome. It is a resolutely practical book on Buddhist ethics, not just in the sense of being about practical matters, but in the sense of explaining how to practise Buddhist ethics. The aim of the book is not to explain the nature or scope or theory or history of Buddhist ethics, but to invite the reader to take on an active and effective ethical practice that will change his or her life. And it is not just a good read: the book includes reflections and meditative exercises linked to recordings available online. It is a personal study course in establishing a Buddhist ethical practice.' - Dhivan Thomas Jones, Buddhist author and scholar
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