The Institute of Chinese Buddhism (ICB), in collaboration with the Buddhist Library, warmly invites you to the next session of ICB Connect.
Join Prof. Pu Chengzhong for a thought-provoking lecture exploring one of the most challenging ethical questions in Buddhism: Can good intentions ever justify actions that appear harmful?
Date: 18 July 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Venue: Buddhist Library
No. 2, Lorong 24A Geylang, Singapore 398526
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/5Am6aXMQSY
Buddhism teaches that compassion and good intentions are essential, but are they always enough to justify our actions? Buddhist texts also contain stories in which unconventional—or even seemingly harmful—acts are undertaken to prevent greater suffering.
In this lecture, Prof. Pu Chengzhong explores the Buddhist concept of skillful means (upāya) and the delicate balance between wisdom, compassion, and ethics. When does flexibility become compromise? Can good intentions ever justify morally questionable actions?
Through historical examples and Buddhist philosophical perspectives, participants will gain deeper insight into one of Buddhism’s most fascinating and complex ethical teachings, and reflect on its relevance to the moral dilemmas we face today.
Prof. Pu Chengzhong is a scholar of Chinese Buddhism and Buddhist ethics. He holds a PhD in Religious Studies from SOAS, University of London, and has published extensively on Chinese Buddhist history, texts, and Dunhuang manuscripts.
He has taught and conducted research at leading institutions across Asia and Europe, including the National University of Singapore, Leiden University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and The University of Hong Kong. He is currently a researcher with the Hong Kong Bodhi Society and Professor at the Hong Kong Tung Lam Pure Land Institute.
WhatsApp: (+65) 8068 7969
Email: instituteofchinesebuddhism.sg@gmail.com
Institute of Chinese Buddhism (ICB) × Buddhist Library
