6_A Buddhist Perspective on Preserving and Safeguarding the Environment

Theme: Restoring the Environment for Harmonious Coexistence

WBSC: Environmental Restoration for Harmonious  Coexistence

Most Venerable Thich Nhu Dien

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha

Dear Respected Members,

The World Buddhist Sangha Council will convene to address the matter of 'Environmental Restoration for Harmonious Co-Existence' at a future time. We would like to express our opinions on this crucial matter in a courteous manner, as outlined below.

Buddhism is a religious belief system that emphasizes compassion and wisdom as fundamental elements for managing one's daily life. This has remained unchanged from the past to the present. Any alterations that occur are a direct result of shifts in individuals' sentiments as well as variations in environments and conditions. Consequently, unfavorable occurrences transpire on our planet, known as Earth.

The environment of the Devas / Gods in the Heavenly Realms is expected to retain a favorable environment; hence, no scriptures or sacred books mention the necessity for environmental repair in those realms. Similarly, the realms of the Arhats and Bodhisattvas in the endless worlds in all directions are unlikely to require environmental rehabilitation to survive. These entities have transcended the cycle of birth and death and are unaffected by their surroundings. In contrast, the human and lower realms, such as hell, hungry ghosts, and animal realms, surely require further protection in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

According to our Buddha's teachings, the human realm is considered the most advantageous for attaining Buddhahood, Bodhisattvahood, and Arhatship. Nevertheless, in this terrestrial domain, if we neglect to rigorously cultivate virtuous actions and abstain from malevolent deeds, we run the perilous possibility of descending into inferior realms, where suffering surpasses the magnitude of our present human experience on Earth.

According to Buddhist teachings, the world was essentially pure in ancient times, and mankind did not have to work as hard for food and clothing as they do now. Everything was manifested based on human wishes and desires; food and drink would materialize, ready for ingestion. However, due to our insatiable greed, these cravings have caused us to become trapped in the never-ending cycle of life and death, forgetting how to return to the heavenly regions as our spiritual energies wane. We created this reality for ourselves, where greed, anger, and ignorance are poisons that destroy both our minds and the environment in which we live. Doubt, suspicion, bigotry, and selfishness have tarnished our perception, leading us down the wrong path.

Upon reflection, what observations can we make regarding the events occurring in our surroundings during the 18th and 19th centuries, followed by the 20th century, and presently in the 21st century? To begin with, the population is growing rapidly. The uncontrolled proliferation across continents has led to an increase in famine, when children are deprived of an adequate supply of milk and suitable school clothing. The lack of knowledge, including illiteracy and limited access to healthcare, perpetuates poverty, which in turn gives rise to various societal ills such as theft, homicide, drug trade, and other activities driven by profit-seeking and a disregard for the welfare of others. As long as the profit remains at a high level, it seems to be satisfactory. Meanwhile, the individuals in our vicinity exist without awareness or concern for each other's survival.

The production scenario mirrors these challenges as forestry enterprises fail to cultivate or safeguard dense forests. Instead, they are felled to enhance agricultural revenue. Nevertheless, the fact remains that this phenomenon significantly contributes to the occurrence of floods, droughts, and several other natural calamities. Rivers experience desiccation, fields lose their verdant greenery, and a significant number of animals perish, with some species facing extinction. Meanwhile, humanity persists in its unwavering aspiration to explore and subjugate uncharted territories, driven by individual avarice.

In the industrial sector, there is a proliferation of manufacturing facilities. These companies are releasing untreated wastewater into bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and seas. This pollution is leading to the death of various aquatic species. Subsequently, individuals retrieve them in order to prepare and consume them. The ensuing challenge lies in the fact that humans experience illness and mortality... There is a shortage of drugs available to treat these illnesses. A substantial quantity of plastic waste is disposed of in rivers and oceans, ensnaring and immobilizing the species inhabiting these areas, thus impeding their survival and growth. The sustainability of marine life is increasingly threatened as a result of sophisticated human fishing techniques, while the supply is insufficient to fulfill the growing demand for consumption.

Humans exploited the unrestricted access to subsurface reserves of natural gas and crude oil. Eventually, the world will become devoid of life, resulting in highly intense earthquakes, widespread tsunamis, and the ultimate extinction of humanity, as foretold in the Buddhist scriptures. Subsequently, a distinct realm will materialize. As the human lifespan declines, it is crucial to acknowledge the diminishing human morality and blessings. One contributing factor to this tragedy is the lack of diligent adherence to precepts by monastics and the failure of lay people to follow the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues. This is the underlying cause. Once the cause is identified, we must address the ramifications and design a solution, which necessitates a complete restart.

Money, beauty, fame, status, etc.,  and prestige are allurements that readily entice us, leading us into traps where they control us and we become simple dependents. There may come a time when we lose sight of our identity and purpose in the world. What value does a life have if it lacks a significant goal? So where should we start our journey? The answer is to reconnect with the Buddha's and the Sangha's core teachings. Nobody would engage in wrongdoing unless someone informed them of their mistakes. The idea is to start educating people at an early age and promote their growth through the humanitarian and wise teachings of Buddhism. It is evident that with such an approach, not only will our world change, but the environment around us will also improve. Expecting an improvement in our surroundings would be fruitless unless we committed to ethical conduct and an attitude of selflessness. If we do not keep the precepts and practice the virtue of benefiting others, we cannot expect the environment around us to be better.

This article represents a humble contribution that aligns with the objectives of the WBSC and reflects my own views.  I earnestly hope that every entity on this planet—humans, deities, and the varied array of other beings who inhabit our space—falls into an abundance of tranquility and contentment, unaffected by external situations. My desire is for all aware creatures to cohabit peacefully in a clean environment, as the Pure Land manifests on Earth at this very moment, precisely in this state of unity and purity. It is here and now.

May our collective efforts lead to a world where all beings coexist harmoniously, and the beauty of the Earth is preserved for countless generations to come.

Sincerely wishing everyone everlasting peace and joy.

 

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