Includes bibliographical references and indexes

[ch.] 1. The shared foundations of Buddhist ethics -- [ch.] 2. Key Buddhist values -- [ch.] 3. Mahāyāna emphases and adaptations -- [ch.] 4. Attitude to and treatment of the natural world -- [ch.] 5. Economic ethics -- [ch.] 6. War and peace -- [ch.] 7. Suicide and euthanasia -- [ch.] 8. Abortion and contraception -- [ch.] 9. Sexual equality -- [ch.] 10. Homosexuality and other forms of 'queerness'

"This systemic introduction to Buddhist ethics is aimed at anyone interested in Buddhism, including students, scholars and general readers. At the same time it develops a careful, probing analysis of the nature and practical dynamics of Buddhist ethnics both in its unifying themes and in the particularities of different Buddhist traditions. The book applies Buddhist ethics to a range of issues of contemporary concern: humanity's relationship with the rest of nature; economics; war and peace; euthanasia; abortion; sexual equality; and homosexuality. Professor Harvey draws on texts of the main Buddhist traditions, and on historical and contemporary accounts of the behaviour of Buddhists, to describe existing Buddhist ethics, to assess different views within it, and to extend its application into new areas."--Jacket