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Do Any Buddhist texts support a non-theistic grounding for objective moral truths?

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In discussions of ethics, many adherents of theistic traditions, whether it is those who follow Abrahamic scriptures or the Hindu Vedas - tend to argue that objective morality cannot exist without divinely revealed scripture or a creator deity who grounds moral truth. Since Buddhism does not posit such a creator God, I would like to understand how Buddhist traditions address this type of claim at the level of canonical doctrine. In case Buddhist traditions may support a form of objective or universally binding morality, what is identified in the texts as its grounding? I am seeking solid reference-based answers. Cite and quote from any Buddhist sources, including the Nikāyas or Āgamas, Vinaya materials, Abhidharma texts, or Mahāyāna sūtras, that could be interpreted as defending a form of objective morality without appealing to divine revelation. It is advisable for the answers focus on textual evidence and avoid writing answers based purely off modern philosophical speculation devoid of any citations unless it is clearly tied to recognized canonical or commentarial sources.
Asked by Albert camus (31 rep)
Mar 19, 2026, 05:40 PM