Beer Bottle Temple in Thailand

Last updated on: November 4, 2008 at 7:27 pm by Justin Whitaker

Beer Bottle Temple in Thailand 2008-11-04T19:27:00-07:00 Justin Whitaker

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This from Treehugger.com.

Buddhism is often popularly described as “inherently ecological” and in tune with the environment. And indeed, the history of Buddhism shows a greater sensitivity to the environment than what we find in the 3 western monotheisms.

Why is this so? One can look at doctrinal clues: Buddhism teaches interconnectedness and the importance of relations with (and reverence for) all of life. It teaches this in a very direct and visceral sense. There are stories of early monks who, out of ignorance or greed, took too much wood from a forest and were consequently beat up by the area tree spirits (or yakshas). The Buddha’s response: don’t take so much.

On the other hand the religions coming out of Judaism teach man’s dominion over the earth and its creatures. All of these things (including women) were created for him (Adam, man). Now this is just one part of the scriptures, and others do stress relationship and responsibility, but it is a deeply ingrained vision of man’s (or humanity’s) hierarchical relation to the earth. That said, many monotheists are deeply ecologically concerned today and we must wish them success in their efforts.

Another way to look at why Buddhism is so deeply in touch with the environment could come from one the central aspects of its teaching: awareness. As one cultivates awareness, first of one’s own mind and emotions, our relationship with the earth and our subsequent ability to help or harm it becomes all the more apparent. We become more aware of both our suffering and the suffering around us. This is the first noble truth, now realized directly.

We then ask why (the quintessential human religious question) and are told to look at our thirsting or craving. We see how this brings suffering into our own lives in countless ways and also how the subsequent vice of greed – the habit of chasing to fulfill each new craving as it arises – results in suffering in the world. This is the second noble truth.

But, as we meditate, we see also that many cravings that arise can simply fall away when we simply bring our awareness to them. Like popular fads that we never get caught up in, we see that nothing is lost in the long run. In fact, peace of mind is the result of following a straight path as society zigs and zags (which is why I think Theravada monks should be our fashion consultants). As our own rising and falling desires become clear, we see societal ones as well: desires to be model-thin or muscle-bound, to have a strong sex-drive into old age, desires for (an even false) sense of security in an uncertain world, and so on. We can see that our society too has a choice in chasing these or letting them go. This is the third noble truth.

Finally we open to the broader path of ethics, meditation (which we have been practicing), and wisdom. These find embodiment both in our personal lives and our political, or social lives. Perhaps this is a timely matter, as elections roll in here in the US. Which politicians (if any) embody the ethics of generosity -perhaps through community organizing, the wisdom of, say, a Harvard Law degree, and the audacity of hope? (no hints here as to who I voted for…)

In any case – I seem (with a bit of a head cold, and an eye on incoming election results) to have veered off my main topic – Buddhism and the Environment. Perhaps not though. Perhaps I have just ventured to further corners of the interconnected web which is that broad topic. As I go now to watch final results, I hope to do so in an ecologically friendly manner, though unfortunately not in my own building of used beer bottles.

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