If we wish to lead a life that is fulfilling and successful, and even more so if we seek to go deeper and discover the spiritual meaning of our life, we need to make sure that our conduct is in line with our lofty aspirations. The Buddhist teachings explain very clearly that happiness and success can only be achieved by following certain basic principles of ethical conduct. This is because of the unfailing nature of karmic cause and effect: positive deeds of body, speech and mind produce the seeds of happiness, whereas negative actions are the causes of further suffering. Moreover, those aspiring to follow a spiritual path can only do so based on the accumulations of merit and wisdom, and again ethical conduct is fundamental to our spiritual progress. 

This course explores the principles of ethical conduct as they apply both to our day-to-day existence and to our spiritual path. The text serving as the basis for the course is “A Treatise on Ethics for Kings: An Ornament for Rulers” written by the extraordinary Tibetan master and polymath of the 19th century, Jamgön Ju Mipham Gyatso (1846-1912). The English translation can be found in José Cabezón’s book “The Just King: The Tibetan Buddhist Classic on Leading an Ethical Life”, but you do not need the text to follow the teachings.