Peter Simpson

 

Moral Systems Journal

 

            In this section we learned about four different moral systems, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, and Judaism. The key idea I found from this section was the similarity of all these moral systems. Even though they came from different location and had no interaction with each other they all had the same core principles about how to treat others how and how to act in life. The thing that stood out to me was that they were similar and originated hundreds and sometimes thousands of years apart from one another.

            One of the most important things I learned from this section is the idea of Jen from Confucianism. It is the idea of being benevolent and good, of being able to see what makes everyone human and treat them as such. It is treating everyone as brothers and sisters

            Another important thing I learned from this section is the idea of Jihad. Before this lesson my idea of jihad was of this holy war radical terrorist, but I learned its main focus is on a struggle within oneself between good and evil.

            A third important thing I learned from this lesson is The Four Noble Truths. The idea of suffering, what it is and where it comes from and how it affects us all no matter what, who, or where we are really struck a chord in me. The idea that whenever I’m not happy is because of something I’m attached to makes sense, and when I thought about it I noticed that I can apply that to my own life.

            (Symbol of Confucianism)

   http://www.selfdefensearts.com/4images/data/media/3/ConfucianSymbol.jpg

 

            One good question to ponder: If all these moral systems are essentially the same dose it matter which one you live by?

            One thing I learned from all these moral systems that can help me become a more moral person is the idea of moderation. They all say in one way or another to not overly indulge in anything, and I am the type of person that can become overly consumed by something and have to have it whenever possible, whether it be a TV show or a game or some kind of food, and this advice could help me watch myself more closely.