In the hope of Nibbāna : the ethics of Theravāda Buddhism

The words "in the hope of nibbana" are often found printed on invitations to anniversaries or festival meals, sent by the Burmese to their friends. Early in the morning, monks are fed, followed by other invited friends who arrive for a good social meal together. All of this is done, as the invitation reassures, "in the hope of nibbana". Thus does the ordinary Buddhist, himself far from nibbana, honor those who are striving, humbly hoping that his modest charitable efforts will somehow by the process of kammic multiplication add up to a nibbanic sum in the end. Such words characterize the Bu.;Cover; Copyright; CONTENTS; Author's Foreword; Part I Background and Framework; The Framework of Self-Perfection; The Self as Subject to Kamma and Rebirth; Nibbana and Ethical Values; Part II Content and Application-Buddhist Ethics in Practice; Transitional; The Ethical Judgment; The Basic Personal Ethical Pattern; The Good Society and its Betterment; The New Situation and the Response; In Search of a Social Ethic; Whither Buddhist Ethic; Postscript; Appendix Killing and Meat-Eating; Notes; Bibliography; Subject Index. The words'in the hope of nibbana'are often found printed on invitations to anniversaries or festival meals, sent by the Burmese to their friends. Early in the morning, monks are fed, followed by other invited friends who arrive for a good social meal together. All of this is done, as the invitation reassures,'in the hope of nibbana'. Thus does the ordinary Buddhist, himself far from nibbana, honor those who are striving, humbly hoping that his modest charitable efforts will somehow by the process of kammic multiplication add up to a nibbanic sum in the end. Such words characterize the Buddhist ethical endeavor.In the Hope of Nibbāna offers a glimpse into the process of a'religion'and a culture struggling to align ethical values with the realities of the modern world. Buddhism is deeply woven into the fabric of life in Burma, now called Myanmar, and the country's insular history has made it an ideal place to experience Buddhism's influence on a culture and people. The words in the hope of nibbana are often found printed on invitations to anniversaries or festival meals, sent by the Burmese to their friends. Early in the morning, monks are fed, followed by other invited friends who arrive for a good social meal together. All of this is done, as the invitation reassures, in the hope of nibbana. Thus does the ordinary Buddhist, himself far from nibbana, honor those who are striving, humbly hoping that his modest charitable efforts will somehow by the process of kammic multiplication add up to a nibbanic sum in the end. Such words characterize the Buddhist ethical endeavor. In the Hope of Nibbāna offers a glimpse into the process of a religion and a culture struggling to align ethical values with the realities of the modern world. Buddhism is deeply woven into the fabric of life in Burma, now called Myanmar, and the country's insular history has made it an ideal place to experience Buddhism's influence on a culture and people In the Hope of Nibbana gives a fascinating look into the process of a "religion" and culture struggling to align ethical values with the realities of the modern world. The author provides an overview of Buddhist psychology and the process of self-perfection, and describes the ultimate goal of Nibbana.The Buddhist layperson's effort to gain merit is a central theme. Includes a new postscript for this second edition.