'Ethics' was not developed as a separate branch of philosophy in Buddhist traditions until the modern period, though Buddhist philosophers have always been concerned with the moral significance of thoughts, emotions, intentions, actions, virtues, and precepts. Their most penetrating forms of moral reflection have been developed within disciplines of practice aimed at achieving freedom and peace. This Element first offers a brief overview of Buddhist thought and modern scholarly approaches to its diverse forms of moral reflection. It then explores two of the most prominent philosophers from the main strands of the Indian Buddhist tradition – Buddhaghosa and Śāntideva – in a comparative fashion.

'This book makes an important contribution to the study of Buddhist ethics, as well as Buddhaghosa and Śāntideva studies, and I anticipate it will be much appreciated by students and professionals interested in a short but deep dive into Buddhist ethics.' Emily McRae, Journal of Buddhist Ethics
'… a most relevant contribution to a central subject that deserves to attract more scholarly attention, the book is recommended to all who are working on the political and military history of the fourth century BC.' Sabine Müller, Global Military Studies Review
'This concise and informative book reveals the diversity (or even disagreement to some degree) of the notion of morality within Buddhism rather than a generalized theory called 'Buddhist ethics'.' Huỳnh Cao Nhựt Quang, Religious Studies Review