c) Discuss the relationship between beliefs (as seen from the sources) and Bioethics, drawing conclusions about the importance of this ethical stance for adherents.
Buddhism beliefs relate to approaches to bioethics because they are governed by core concepts such as the eightfold path, the four noble truths, the five precepts and the concept of karma etc. These beliefs directly affect how adherent respond to bioethical issues. This is further impacted by the faith that Buddhists have towards life’s ultimate goal: to free oneself from the cycle of samsara and reach enlightenment. Consequently these beliefs are valuable in helping guide adherents throughout the process of deciding the necessary means of application in regards to bioethical concerns. …show more content…
These truths express the belief that dukkha (suffering) exists and offers a pathway to the cessation of dukkha through following the eightfold path. This belief guides Buddhists in their view towards euthanasia as see someone’s suffering as a result of the karmic consequences they generated in their past life. This means that act of euthanasia may prevent to the natural process of karma beings served in an individual’s life.
The first precept is also very applicable to euthanasia as it states that it is unadvisable to kill living beings. In Buddhism there is a high emphasis placed on making sure people are given the opportunity to naturally finish their life with a focused mind. This view is reinforced by the sixth, seventh and eighth step of the eightfold path right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. These steps apply not only to the final moments of one’s life but also to their whole life in general. Buddha taught that the last few moments of someone’s life are vital in maintaining a focused mind in full submission to the dharma, as this will determine what one’s next life will be like, which is often reflected on when contemplating bioethical