What is the Buddhist take on relativism?

Question

relativism- A theory, especially in ethics or aesthetics, that conceptions of truth and moral values are not absolute but are relative to the persons or groups holding them.

Answer 1

Although I practice Buddhism, I am NOT a scholar of the various and sundry Buddhist philosophies. However, I CAN venture an opinion, which may be in the same ball park as the official philosophies.

The universe is a system of balances. If good is to be represented as white and black evil, there are an infinite number of shades of grey in between. This is immutable. Relativism is the choice made by any group or society about what shade of grey is to be considered correct for that group.

When discussing or studying any group or society without expressing a moral opinion, relativism the frame around which such studies are conducted. If one is to live and function in such societies without arousing ire, one must adopt the mores, principles and traditions of that group. However, in doing so, one also takes upon himself the greater karmic consequences of following such philosophies.

For example, few people absolutely obey the speed limits. In certain cities (Miami comes to mind, with it's latin flavored culture), if you have the unmitigated gall to actually obey the speed limit, you will invoke the wrath of all those stuck behind you. Left to their own devices, many Miamians tend to drive well above the posted limits. A relativistic view would state that in the Miami culture, the proper thing to do is ignore the speed limit and drive however fast that conditions permit. However, this take on this phenomena will not prevent an individual from getting a speeding ticket, getting points on their license, and having their auto insurance rates increased. And so it goes with Karma.

In Nichiren Buddhism, our main goal is the acheive Kosen Rufu, or world peace, and enlightenment. The means to acheive this goal is the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, and by chanting the phrase Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo. This practice is said to set one's life condition on the correct path to acheive maximum good karma, and in doing so, brings us just a little closer to Kosen Rufu. If the path to Kosen Rufu and enlightenment is as norrow as this philosophy tends to indicate, them relativism, as a measure of moral value, is incorrect.

Answer 2

That's just common sense. The only way you couldn't recognize that is if you refuse to accept it. And even then you actually recognize it.