Universal Ethics
One Planet. One Voice.
Universal Ethics is a guideline to employ common ground in a world of diversity.
As humans, we are different, but we are all part of this one planet – regardless of skin color, nationality, religion or social status. Every being and all of existence is interlinked – we have an effect on others – and others have an effect on us.
These universal facts of life are our common ground, naturally connecting everyone. Recalling them in the face of multiple global challenges, might aid to the survival of our planet.
Roots of Universal Ethics
Universal Ethics became apparent through the remarkable diversity of Nepal’s society. In the small Himalayan country, over 140 ethnic groups and more than 120 languages come together, each representing completely different ways of life.
Challenges in interactions between Nepalese people of various groups actually represent the situation in other countries all around the globe. Therefore, the particular circumstances in Nepal triggered the evolvement of a common ground valid for everyone, that means for all people – no matter what nation, ethnic group, religion, or color of skin.
“We all breathe the same air, we all drink the same water, we all walk the same earth, we are all one under one sun.”
TK Rinpoche
Showing what we all depend on and what connects us all, Universal Ethics facilitates mutual understanding and provides a guideline for survival in times where the basic elements of our existence are dwindling. By acknowledging these basic facts of life, working together for a common future on our planet is possible.
Focusing the benefit of all existence, Universal Ethics conveys the basic message of the Buddhist teachings of compassion and wisdom, namely Bodhicitta.
“May I be a guard for those without a guard, a guide for all who travel on their paths, may I be a boat, a raft or bridge, for all who wish to cross the waters.”
Shantideva, Bodhicharyavatara (Ch. 3, v. 18)
In reference to their original meaning, TK Rinpoche shows how to put Universal Ethics into practice.
“These are the roots of Universal Ethics. This is the way.
Simple, direct, practical.”
TK Rinpoche
1. Resources of life:
"We all breathe the same air, we drink the same water and walk the same earth."
2. Unity in Diversity:
The natural elements are the foundation of all existence, which is what all beings share - no matter what species they belong to, beyond caste, nation, religion or color of skin.
3. Interdependence:
All of existence is interlinked: Everything is part of a system of mutually dependent regulatory cycles provided by nature. Consequently human actions affect each other.
4. Common ground:
The facts of life provide interdependence as foundation of all existence. The undeniable universal common ground, which has to be acknowledged by everyone.
5. The Art of Balance...
...is the practical application of Universal Ethics. Employing common ground to facilitate co-existence and survival of humanity.
Our common ground
All beings of this planet share the same resources – we all need clean water and air to survive. If we acknowledge the fact that we all depend on each other as common ground and act accordingly – we may have a chance to coexist and save our precious planet.
Universal Ethics in action
Universal Ethics is the foundation of all projects and programs of Akasha Academy. In Munich and Kathmandu, Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche teaches the view and physical training connected to Universal Ethics in Akasha Training workshops. In Nepal, young women are empowered within the Akasha Traineeship, a unique vocational training program. Currently, the education team is developing an educational framework for pre-school and school children. Our aim is that in the future, children from all backgrounds shall have the opportunity to learn and apply Universal Ethics at a young age.
