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The ‘environment’ from a Buddhist point of view is the entire interconnected world: humans, animals, plants and minerals, down to the most microscopic living organisms and up to complicated beings like ourselves. ... Buddhists believe we all have duties and responsibilities as part of the system. Maurice Ash, a Buddhist philosopher, suggests that we should not call it THE environment because this makes it seem as if it is a separate object, which it is not according to Buddhist understanding. Buddhists would prefer to use a word like ‘life’ as a description of the environment: it is not a separate object, but the interconnected web of existence.
The First Precept gives a clear insight into the Buddhist’s views on environment: “I undertake to abstain from harming any living beings”. ... Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh’s version of this precept is: “Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals. ... Therefore Buddhists aim to protect life and feel it as their duty to campaign on behalf of and avoid exploiting the environment, living this life of peace and non-harming of any beings is very satisfactory and generates good karma, which is what Buddhists aim to do in their life, for their own and every ones benefit. ... We should have the intention not to harm anything and live in a way of benefit for environment (first and second precepts), meaning helping the environment and doing all within our power to stop environment being damage and exploited. ... ” This is the best possible explanation of ‘ahimsa’; not intending to harm any beings will bring benefit to all beings and the web of existence that is the environment.
Approximate Word count = 1339
Approximate Pages = 5.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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