The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (746 page)

(giving) developed as a substitute, leading to the characteristically dynamic relationship between lay-people and the
sa
gha
(monastic community), and to generosity at the heart of ethical life. The aim is the development of mah
-
karu
, great and unlimited compassion.
Confucianism
The teaching of Confucius and of the Confucian school is addressed to the good of society, not simply to individual behaviour, or the attainment of individual goals. It is often summarized in the phrases, ‘The Three Bonds’ (between parent and child, husband and wife, ruler and subject), and ‘The Five Relationships’ (including those between brothers and between friends). Confucius believed that, with the help of heaven (
t’ien
) or a positive moral force (
te
), people can produce the all-important characteristics of
jen
and
li
. The moral issue can then be put as a question: ‘How would the wise person (
sheng-jen
) or ideal person (
chün tzu
) respond with te, and in accord with jen and li, in this situation?’ Although Confucian ethics may seem to stress the desirability of hierarchical or vertical relationships, in fact the key factor stressed by Confucius is
shu
(reciprocity), even if the principle of authority has also been upheld in these relationships. Confucianism was open to attack and criticism which also affected the development of the dominant school: see e.g.
MO TZU
,
HSÜN TZU
, and (at the root of Taoism)
LAO TZU
and
CHUANG TZU
.
Sikh
‘Truthful living’ is the aim of Sikh life which necessarily embraces ethics (
di Granth 62). It requires a positive action and effort (
kirat karna
) in a constant work of service (
seva
) to others: ‘Only by the self-forgetting service of others can God be reached’ (AG 26). This is expressed particularly in
vand chakna
, sharing with others. Because all humans are subverted by
haumai
, this effort is not easy to initiate or sustain, but Sikhs receive help from the grace of God, the teachings of the scriptures, and the example of the
Gurus
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Ethics of the Fathers
:

see
AVOT
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Ethiopianism
.

A term used to identify one type of African independent church, which first emerged in the 1880s in Ghana, Nigeria (here called the ‘African churches’), and in S. Africa, where the term was first used by Mokone's Ethiopian Church in 1892. It is based on references to Ethiopia in the Bible, especially in Psalm 68. 31, and on the ancient Christian kingdom of Ethiopia; together these provide a charter for dignity and independence.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Ethiopian Jews
:

see
FALASHAS
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search