BUDDHISM & BUDDHISM & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUESENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

’Journal of Buddhist Ethics’http://jbe.gold.ac.uk/7/sahni001.html

Buddhism teaches a unique relationship with the environment which considers us to be dependent on it, equal and connected to it; this is in contrast to Christian teachings which involve us being guardians or stewards, with responsibility but ultimately superiority over our environment.

DeforestationDeforestation

• All the animals and plants depend on each other in a complex web of life. 

• Many of the plants and animals have become very specialised.  Plants produce complex chemicals in their leaves to restrict the number of animals able to eat them, and many of these chemicals are useful to humans as medicines. 

• Cancer cures, drugs, the contraceptive pill and a drug which may help to combat AIDS all come from rainforest plants.

• When the rainforests are destroyed, it has a dramatic effect.  The rainforest is like a giant sponge, soaking up the heavy tropical rain and then releasing it slowly. 

• When the trees are felled the result is usually erosion and flooding. 

• Mahogany is a wood which is desired for its beauty, but thousands of plants, insects and animals die each time a tree is felled.  Buying tropical hardwoods is encouraging the destruction of the worlds most diverse eco-system.

Pollution - AirPollution - Air

Pollution - WaterPollution - Water

Case StudyCase Study: : Holy IslandHoly Island; off the coast of Arran in the

Firth of Clyde

• A retreat and conservation Island bought in 1992 by the Samye Ling Buddhist Centre as an interfaith project.

• The island is managed according to key Buddhist principles.

The centre was built with

ecologically sound materials

and methods:

• water is heated with solar panels

• all the paint used is non-toxic and bio-degradable

• insulation materials are environmentally friendly

• sewerage is processed using state-of-the-art reed beds resulting in almost clear water discharged into the sea

Island Rules are the 5 Precepts

All individuals and groups who visit

the island are asked to abide by the

Five Golden Rules:

• To respect life and refrain from killing

• To respect other people's property and refrain from stealing

• To speak the truth and refrain from lying

• To encourage health and refrain from intoxicants (including alcohol, cigarettes and drugs)

• To respect others and refrain from sexual misconduct

Beliefs in ActionBeliefs in Action – Thailand’s

“Environmentalist monks” (phra nak anuraksa in Thai)

• The actions of a small percentage of the total number of monks in Thailand are visible in Thai society.

• They tackle urgent and controversial issues, such as deforestation and the construction of large dams, using modified Buddhist rituals and an ecological interpretation of Buddhist teachings.

Dalai Lama 1989 - Nobel Peace Prize Dalai Lama 1989 - Nobel Peace Prize lecture on his hopes for Tibetlecture on his hopes for Tibet

• “I want the Tibetan plateau to be transformed into a ‘Zone of Non Violence’ which would be the world’s largest park or biosphere. Strict laws would be enforced to protect wildlife and plant life: the exploitation of natural resources would be strictly regulated so as not to damage relevant ecosystems; and a policy of sustainable development would be adopted in populated areas.”

Metta SuttaMetta Sutta - Loving Kindness;Buddha’s words on how to act according to ‘loving kindness’

• “(be)..frugal in their ways.”

• “May all beings be at ease.”

• “..cherish all living beings; radiating kindness over the entire world; spreading upwards to the skies, and downwards to the depths.”

Thich Nhat Hanh’s version of the 5 PreceptsThich Nhat Hanh’s version of the 5 Precepts

- ‘Five Mindfulness Trainings’ • Extracts from the 1st and 2nd are especially relevant

to environmental ethics;

1. ‘Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life….cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals.’

2. ‘Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation… cultivate loving-kindness and learn ways to work for the well being of people, animals, plants and minerals. Prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.’

•The principle of Ahimsa or harmlessness reinforces the first precept and how Buddhists believe we should relate to our environment. 

•The belief that all things are interconnected and causally related – and reflected in one another as illustrated in the Jewel Net of Indra - leads Buddhists to place great importance on the conservation of natural resources….

• The 1st Precept to not harm, guides Buddhists in their ethical behaviour; as in the case of water pollution where the destruction of animal life and habitats is clearly harmful and therefore against this precept. Furthermore the Metta Sutra on loving Kindness says …..

Create a Mind Map, list of bullet points or essay style summary of key Buddhist beliefs connected to environmental issues. Make as many points as you can think of.

Other Concepts:

Rebirth / Dukka / Loving-Kindness….