Guilt warns
us there is a gap between our values and our actions.
(Pritchard)
Doing the right thing
Martial artists have an obligation to behave in a responsible,
considerate fashion.
Having spent years learning how to protect themselves, they must now avoid
misusing those skills.
In the past people would follow a fixed, often rigid
code of conduct.
The code was not simply to govern behaviour, it provided a moral backbone to
an individuals character and ensured that you were always considerate in
your dealings with other people.
Right or
wrong?
Right and wrong can often seem to be a
matter of perspective - so the best guide is always to consider how you
would like to be treated.
Picture how nice it would be if people actually listened to you, were
patient, emotionally calm, considerate, understanding, generous and fair.
Why not set the example?
Empathising with other people can lead to a
greater level of awareness and a sense of harmony in your daily
interactions.
Anticipating another persons requirements, being thoughtful and giving them
space can really help to improve how you relate to others.
Morality
Taoism does not really favour formal codes of conduct - preferring the
individual to be morally self-governing.
Morality does not need to be guided by a formal set of rules, but it can be
interesting to study a variety of codes in order to determine which
behavioural traits were considered honourable.
Ideally, you should find your own way and live according to what you
find to be appropriate - relative to those around you.
Here are some codes to explore:
eBay Community Values
People recognise the necessity of moral conduct:
We believe people are basically good.
We believe everyone has something to contribute.
We believe that an honest, open environment can bring out the best in people.
We recognise and respect everyone as a unique individual.
We encourage you to treat others the way you want to be treated.
The eightfold path
The eightfold path encourages a person to act appropriately in the following
areas of their lives:
Understanding
Motivation
Communication
Conduct
Vocation
Effort
Awareness
Contemplation
This list is quite similar to the
bushido code of the Japanese samurai, and is likely to have influenced bushido.
Hall rules
The caretaker of the hall posted these simple rules:
If you open it, close it
If you take it out, put it back
If you turn it on, switch it off
If you move it, put it back
If you get it dirty, clean it up
If you bring it, take it home
If you borrow it, bring it back
If you break it, get it fixed
Below the list he wrote: if you love it, treat it as your own.
The
ten
commandments
The ten commandments
represent a famous list of religious edicts and have influenced modern
society:
One god
Do not worship pictures or statues
Do not misuse the name of god
Do not work on the Sabbath
Honour parents
Do not kill
Do not commit adultery
Do not steal
Do not lie
Do not be jealous
Only the last six pertain to morality.
Your own behaviour
You do not need to be told how to behave.
Most adults have a very clear understanding of right and wrong, and know full
well when they are acting inappropriately.
Morality asks only one question: who are you?
You are not what you think or say.
You are only what you do or refrain from doing.
Life provides moral opportunities.
Situations occur in which you can do the right thing, but it will mean
putting yourself out.
Or you can ignore the situation and walk away.
If you walk away, no one will criticise you or ever find out.
Your choice is a mirror of your character.
Page created 25 December 2004