Co-arising of Ethics, Mindfulness and Truth for Freedom of Action

Abstract

This chapter explores the indispensable relationship of mindfulness to ethics. The Buddhist tradition makes reference to the five precepts of non-killing and nonexploitation. Ethics point to a much wider exploration of ethics with an example of application of mindfulness and ethics in the corporate world. The general conception of ethics often finds expression in views of good and evil or good and not good. Ethics then depends upon our perception of the “other”. This chapter makes clear that ethics emerge from an enquiry into causes and conditions for suffering rather than fixed standpoints around right and wrong and a moralising attitude. Every event, global or personal, can show an infinite number of presentations. These presentations confirm the emptiness of a self-existent presentation. Ethics, mindfulness and enquiry can reveal the truth through exploration of a situation or event. It is important to know the difference between truth and accumulated knowledge and opinions. Truth enables one to be faithful to freedom of action with the support of virtue, mindfulness and truth.