Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1+1+2=4) Buddhism in practice This is a

Question 14 of 24

Q. Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow: (1+1+2=4) Buddhism in practice This is an excerpt from the Sutta Pitaka, and contains the advice given by the Buddha to a wealthy householder named Sigala: "In five ways should a master look after his servants and employees... by assigning them work according to their strength, by supplying them with food and wages, by tending them in sickness; by sharing delicacies with them and by granting leave at times... In five ways should the clansmen look after the needs of samanas (those who have renounced the world) and Brahmanas: by affection in act and speech and mind, by keeping open house to them and supplying their worldly needs." There are similar instructions to Sigala about how to behave with his parents, teacher and wife. (31.1) How did Buddha highlight the significance of compassion in social hierarchy?

(1)
(31.2) Why did Buddha emphasise righteous action?

(1)
(31.3) Explain any two tenets of Karma according to Buddha. (2)

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Concept understanding — Religious Ethics

Religious Ethics: A First Look

Start with Intuition

Imagine you're standing at a crossroads. One path says: "Do this because it feels right." Another says: "Do this because society says so." But a third path whispers: "Do this because God (or the Divine, or the Ultimate Reality) commands it — and because this action aligns with the sacred purpose of life."

That third path is the heart of religious ethics.

At its simplest, religious ethics is the study of right and wrong as understood through the lens of a religious tradition. It asks: What does it mean to live a good life, not just for ourselves, but in relationship with the divine, with others, and with the cosmos?

The Precise Statement

Religious Ethics is the branch of moral philosophy that examines ethical principles, values, and duties as derived from, interpreted by, and grounded in a religious worldview. It explores how sacred texts, traditions, doctrines, and spiritual experiences shape moral reasoning and guide human conduct.

Key Features (Exam-Ready)

Source of Authority: Morality is not invented by humans but revealed or discovered through divine will, scripture (e.g., Bible, Quran, Vedas), or spiritual insight.
Teleological Orientation: Actions are often judged by their alignment with a ultimate purpose (e.g., moksha in Hinduism, salvation in Christianity, nirvana in Buddhism).
Community & Tradition: Ethics is lived within a faith community — it's not just individual choice but shared practice (e.g., dharma in Hinduism, sharia in Islam).
Transcendent Accountability: Right and wrong matter beyond this life — there is often a concept of reward/punishment (heaven/hell, karma/reincarnation).

Why It Matters (For Exams)

Aspect	Religious Ethics	Secular Ethics
Foundation	Divine command, scripture, tradition	Reason, human rights, social contract
Goal	Union with God, liberation, salvation	Human flourishing, justice, well-being
Motivation	Love of God, fear of judgment, spiritual growth	Rational duty, empathy, social harmony
Flexibility	Often fixed (revealed truths)	Evolves with reason & society

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The Buddha highlighted compassion by advocating for reciprocal, ethical treatment across social roles, emphasized righteous action for individual and societal well-being, and taught that Karma involves volitional actions leading to corresponding consequences.

The Buddha's teachings, as exemplified in the Sutta Pitaka excerpt, are fundamentally rooted in the concept of interconnectedness and the pursuit of well-being for all beings. This isn't just about individual salvation, but about creating a harmonious society through ethical conduct. The core intuition is that our actions (karma) have consequences, and by acting with compassion (karuna) and wisdom, we can alleviate suffering (dukkha) for ourselves and others. The advice given to Sigala, a householder, demonstrates how these profound spiritual principles translate into practical, everyday social ethics, emphasizing duties and responsibilities rather than just rights. It's about fostering mutual respect and care within various relationships, from family to employer-employee dynamics and interactions with renunciants.

Here's a breakdown of the answers to your questions:

How did Buddha highlight the significance of compassion in social hierarchy?

The Buddha highlighted the significance of compassion by outlining specific, reciprocal duties that individuals in positions of authority or advantage should extend to those dependent on them or to those who serve society in a spiritual capacity. This approach transforms hierarchical relationships from mere power dynamics into relationships of mutual care and responsibility.
- Master-Servant Relationship: The text explicitly states that a master should look after servants and employees "in five ways." These ways—assigning work according to strength, supplying food and wages, tending them in sickness, sharing delicacies, and granting leave—are direct manifestations of compassion. They ensure the well-being, dignity, and fair treatment of those who work for them, moving beyond a purely transactional relationship to one that acknowledges their humanity and needs.
- Clansmen-Samanas/Brahmanas Relationship: Similarly, clansmen (householders) are advised to look after samanas and Brahmanas (those who have renounced the world) "by affection in act and speech and mind, by keeping open house to them and supplying their worldly needs." This demonstrates compassion by supporting those dedicated to spiritual pursuits, recognizing their contribution to society, and ensuring their basic needs are met out of generosity and respect.
- Overall Impact: By detailing these duties, the Buddha showed that compassion is not a passive feeling but an active principle that should guide conduct across all social strata, ensuring that even those in subordinate positions are treated with care and respect, thereby fostering social harmony and reducing suffering.
Why did Buddha emphasise righteous action?

The Buddha emphasized righteous action because it is the fundamental mechanism through which individuals create their own experiences of happiness or suffering, and collectively, it shapes the well-being of society. Righteous action, or kusala karma, is action that is wholesome, skillful, and free from greed, hatred, and delusion.
- Cause and Effect: At the heart of Buddhist philosophy is the law of cause and effect, or Karma. The Buddha taught that every volitional action (physical, verbal, or mental) has consequences that will ripen. Righteous actions lead to positive, beneficial outcomes, both for the individual performing them and for those affected by them. Conversely, unrighteous actions lead to suffering.
- Ending Suffering (Dukkha): The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice is the cessation of suffering. By engaging in righteous action, individuals cultivate positive mental states, reduce negative karmic imprints, and move closer to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The advice given to Sigala—how to treat servants, renunciants, parents, teachers, and wives—are all examples of righteous actions designed to create a supportive and harmonious environment, which is conducive to both worldly happiness and spiritual progress.
- Societal Harmony: When individuals consistently engage in righteous actions, it naturally leads to a more just, compassionate, and peaceful society. The instructions in the Sutta Pitaka are practical guidelines for building such a society, where mutual respect and care prevail.
Explain any two tenets of Karma according to Buddha. …

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Same / Similar Concept — real previous-year questions on the same or a closely similar concept, not this exact question.

CBSE 2020Set 61/1/11 markMCQ
$Q. Study the following statements regarding Buddhism carefully : I. Buddhism grew rapidly, both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha. II. Buddhism did not give much importance to conduct and values. III. Buddhism appealed to many people who were dissatisfied with the existing religious practices. IV. Buddhism laid much stress on superiority based on birth. Which of the above statements are correct ? (A) I and II (B) II and IV (C) I and III (D) III and IV$
›Reveal solutionSolution

Buddhism’s rapid spread (I) and its appeal to those dissatisfied with existing practices (III) are historically correct; it did emphasize conduct and rejected birth-based superiority, making II and IV false. The correct pair is I and III.

Let’s begin with the big picture. Buddhism arose in the 6th century BCE in a India marked by rigid social hierarchy, expensive Vedic rituals, and growing spiritual restlessness. The Buddha’s message was radical: it focused on ethical living, personal effort, and universal access to liberation — no sacrifices, no priestly monopoly, no caste barriers. That context is the key to judging each statement.

1. Statement I: “Buddhism grew rapidly, both during the lifetime and after the death of Buddha.”

This is true. During his lifetime, the Buddha attracted a large following — from kings like Bimbisara and Prasenajit to merchants, householders, and outcasts. The Sangha (monastic order) was established early, and lay disciples multiplied. After his death, the spread accelerated under royal patronage (especially Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE) and through missionary efforts. Buddhism reached Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and beyond within a few centuries. So I is correct.

2. Statement II: “Buddhism did not give much importance to conduct and values.”

This is false — in fact, the opposite is true. The Buddha’s entire teaching revolves around ethical conduct (śīla). The Eightfold Path includes Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood — all about moral behaviour. The Five Precepts (no killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, intoxicants) are the foundation for both monks and laypeople. Conduct and values are central, not marginal.

Watch out

A common mistake is to confuse Buddhism’s rejection of ritualism with a rejection of ethics. Rituals were downplayed; ethics were elevated.

3. Statement III: “Buddhism appealed to many people who were dissatisfied with the existing religious practices.” …
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