The perfection of ethical conduct

• The benefits of keeping ethical conduct
• Is it easier to create non-virtue now versus in the past?
• How we engage in killing, stealing, and unwise sexual behavior in modern times
• Ways to practice protecting life, safeguarding possessions, and using sexuality kindly
• Methods to counteract our tendency to lie and speak divisively

Gomchen Lamrim 102: The Perfection of Ethical Conduct (download)

Contemplation points

1. Going through each of the ten pathways of non-virtue, consider:
   • What are some socially acceptable, contemporary activities that actually create negativity through this pathway of non-virtue?
   • Have you engaged in the activity? What afflictions were working behind the scenes that made non-virtue seem like a good thing to do?
   • What resources does the Buddha make available to you to overcome the wish to engage in this activity in your own life?
   • What can you do to bring love, compassion, and wisdom to the situation when you see this activity in the world?
   • What virtuous pathway directly opposes this non-virtue? What can you do to cultivate this in your life?
2. Generate a strong aspiration to abandon negative actions and cultivate positive ones through your study, reflection, and meditation. Make the determination to allow a deeper understanding of keeping good ethical conduct to influence the way you interact with others in your daily life.