Buddhism Quote by Ninian Smart
“I think the Buddhist ethic is clearer and more systematic in some ways. The Buddhist notion is that our chief problems are greed, hatred and delusion. Well, delusion is not much mentioned in the Christian tradition. In the West, we have underplayed the idea that our moral and spiritual troubles have to do with a lack of clarity or insight because original sin has dominated so much of our thinking. We tend to think that our troubles are caused by insufficient will power.”
About This Quote
Buddhist teachings stress that ignorance, greed, and hatred drive suffering, whereas Western traditions often emphasize willpower, overlooking the role of mental clarity.
In simple terms: Buddhism highlights delusion as a core problem, unlike many Western views.
Key Takeaway
Clarity of mind is central to moral struggle.
Themes
ethics
religion
psychology
mindfulness
Mood
insightful
analytical
Type
analytical
comparative
When to use this quote
- therapy for addiction
- ethical decision‑making
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
root causes of suffering
cognitive distortion
Practical Applications
- Practice mindfulness to uncover hidden biases
- Integrate compassion training in education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance insight with personal responsibility?
- What practices best cultivate mental clarity?
A Different Perspective
Willpower still matters; ignoring it can oversimplify moral development.
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