A Framework for Buddhist Environmentalism: The Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions

International Journal of Buddhist Thought & Culture Vol. 28. No. 1 ( June 2018): 177–203

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Abstract

Resorting to Buddhism to advance a form of religious environmentalism has been done by many scholars both from inside and outside the tradition because Buddhism holds a worldview and a number of teachings often perceived as environmentally friendly. This paper contributes to this effort by proposing a framework that is faithful to the Buddhist pedagogical approach. It asserts that this approach comprises two overarching and integral dimensions—a horizontal (relational)and a vertical (developmental) dimension. In  establishing Buddhist environmentalism, the horizontal dimension is employed to assess the root cause of the environmental crisis and the state of humannature relationship. The  horizontal dimension also helps to provide a corrective to the abnormalities in this relationship is proposing a vision of harmonious human-nature relationship characterized by solidarity, responsibility, accountability, service and gratitude. These relationships can be established by resorting to Buddhist cosmogony and fundamental teachings such as the Principle of Dependent Origination and the Three Characteristics of Existence. The vertical dimension constitutes the prescriptive aspect of Buddhist environmentalism, which insists that self-cultivation aimed at emancipation from mundane existence is part and parcel of the effort to promote self and environmental well-being. It asserts that human-nature relationship must be added to the total number of relationships in one’s life, and it must be held in view in the process of self-cultivation so that it becomes an indicator of a person’s spiritual progress. Virtues such as loving kindness, gentleness, moderation and generosity developed through the Noble Eightfold Path not only go towards promoting interpersonal relationship but also promote environmental well-being and flourishing. Consequently, this paper is critical of any Buddhist environmentalism that fails to give due attention to both dimensions, and it emphasizes that both the relational and developmental dimensions must be held in balance in order for a genuine Buddhist environmentalism to be possible.

Key words: Buddhism, Buddhist Environmentalism, Religious Environmentalism,  Environmental Crisis