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Environment
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He who sits alone, He who rests alone, He who is strenuous, He who subdues self alone, Will seek delight in the forest depths Dhammapada 16./305 |
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Climate Change and Buddhism Since the 1950s, scientists have been trying to warn people on Earth that there is a radical increase in the amount of carbon dioxide and other Green House Gases (GHG) in the atmosphere which are causing a warming of the planet. For the last 1000 years, CO2 has been quite stable in the atmosphere, increasing and decreasing on a seasonal and daily basis, but maintaining an overall equilibrium. Over greater lengths of time, carbon rises and falls coincide with massive climactic changes expressed as glaciation periods (when the much of the Earth became covered with ice and inhospitable to many life forms). The current levels of CO2 have risen steeply over the last 200 years and exponentially over the last 50 years. Scientists are unanimous that the current levels are due to human industrial pollution (mostly the burning of fossil fuels such as petrol in cars), and other industrial emissions. Some 20% of current emissions are caused by rapid and dangerous deforestation at the equator by industrial lumber companies from America, Europe and increasingly from East Asia. The impact of such extreme carbon emissions is very serious and is giving rise to temperature surges at the two polar ice caps and in the world's oceans. Scientists are not sure how the planet will react to the rapidly rising temperatures. Evidently the ice caps are melting much faster than anticipated - pouring vast quantities of fresh water into the seawater oceans at both poles. This is likely to disturb circulation of water in the oceans, change currents of warm and cold water, and cause more radical weather patterns, including hurricanes and tornados (also increasing their intensity and their geographic spread). CO2 and the other 5 main Green House Gases (GHG) are building up in the atmosphere and cannot be absorbed back into nature. Natural forms of carbon storage such as forests and frozen peat lands are also being destroyed by industrialisation, reducing the ability of nature to maintain an equilibrium. It can take up to 2000 years for carbon to be absorbed by plants, soils and water on earth. This means that even if all industrial carbon emissions stopped tomorrow, the world would be in a very unstable state for the next two millennia. Instead, the Western World has not been willing to change its over-consumption and pollution habits. The West is now being matched by growing consumption and pollution coming from China, Malaysia, Vietnam and other Asian tigers. Even South Africa and Nigeria are starting to become major GHG emitters. Climate change is with us. All of the United Nations reports are predicting hundreds of millions of people being displaced, many millions of people starving to death, and the likelihood of intense wars and conflicts between those who have resources and those battling to survive. In all of this, the natural biodiversity of the planet will take a great knock, with tens of thousands of species going extinct. The Buddha taught us that all life is interconnected. Life springs from conditions that precede it, and in turn the actions of those present today shape the destiny of those yet to be born. The law of kamma tells us that acting from the basis of greed, delusian and anger (the three poisons) generate negative kammic consequences, both for ourselves and others. Grasping, greed, overconsumption of resources and a disregard for others (animal and human) will lead to suffering. Suffering is part of the human condition and can only be overcome by mindfulness, compassion, generosity and the growth of wisdom and insightful habits and practices. We stand on the edge of destiny now. The future of the planet and the human race (along with many tens of thousands of other species) is at risk due to our greed and foolishness. It is a time for reflection, for actions, for coordination, for dialogue, for lobbying and for awakening. A simpler life is carbon neutral... is this not what the Buddha was trying to teach us all along? Climate change is a Buddhist issue. Join us in awakening to a sustainble zero-carbon life... a simpler and happier life... |
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Buddhist Statement on Climate Change The problem: The Buddha taught that there are three poisons in human life: greed, anger and delusion. The heart of the climate crisis is found in the first poison. Humans have a tendency to be needy, grasping and greedy if they think they can get away with it. Greed arises due to ignorance of its causes and consequences. We usually do not realise that our greed and grasping is the cause of our suffering. We seek too often to find fulfilment in material comforts, which are somehow never enough. While some starve, others gorge. The same has been true of carbon emissions. The West and the 'Developed' world are living a lifestyle which is overconsuming carbon, creating extreme Green House Gas emissions with the aim of creating comfortable lifestyles which are highly materialistic but not inherently rewarding. The problem of greed is compounded by our unjust global economy. People in one part of the world use resources up which others need. The North destroys the environment of the South, extracts fossil fuels, destroys equatorial rainforest without consideration, compassion or mindfulness of the suffering caused to life on earth and the peoples of the South. Selfishness and a sense of entitlement fuel the delusions which aggregate the problem. Faced with all of the evidence about climate change, the state representatives at the United Nations are failing to come to any agreement because all parties are demanding the same standard of living based on an economic model which the planet's natural resources cannot provide. Solutions: The life and teachings of the Buddha were dedicated to understanding the causes of human suffering, but also offering solutions, a way out of suffering towards enlightenment, contentment and equilibrium. The Buddha taught that there is a universal natural law which humans need to study and understand. It is a law of equilibrium and balance, of cause and effect. This universal natural law is referred to as 'dhamma' in Buddhist teachings. If we act out of greed, out of delusion or with anger we will increase our suffering. To free ourselves we need to recognise the causes of suffering and awaken a will to live mindfully in the world according to the tenets of a balanced natural world. We are taught to develop 4 mutually reinforcing mental approaches: loving-kindness for all living and sentient beings, compassion for the suffering of others, sympathetic joy for the happiness of others, and inner equanimity. Such mental habits mean that we will not be driven by greed and that our actions will be mindful and grow greater cooperation, peace and goodwill in the world. Lastly, Buddhists are reminded each time we take our precepts that the first two precepts refer directly to the causes of global warming and this terrible crisis that is unfolding. 1. I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life. Pâṇâtipâtâ veramaṇî sikkhâpadaṃ samâdiyâmi. 2. I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given. Adinnâdânâ veramaṇî sikkhâpadaṃ samâdiyâmi. As Buddhists, we must not destroy life on Earth. All living and sentient beings are equal and we are liable and responsible for their well-being, just as a mother would protect her only child. Further, we may not take that which is not ours. Our extraction of fossil fuels and overconsumption of natural resources is stealing from future generations. This kamma of greed and harmfulness will cause great suffering in our lifetime and in the future of the planet. As Buddhists we need to react now, we need to be mindful of the crisis, its causes and know that the solutions lie within us to live sustainably. If we place wisdom, compassion and generosity ahead of materialism we will both be richer for it, happier, but also sustain life on this planet as is the way of the dhamma. May all beings be free from suffering. Sadhu sadhu sadhu. UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE FAILS TO ACHIEVE AGREEMENTS Nigel Crawhall of the Hout Bay Buddhist Centre was in Poznan, Poland for the 14th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is the most important international forum for dealing with the crisis of global warming and fixing agreements to bring down Green House Gas emissions. Here is what Nigel said about the meeting: ''I have been learning more about climate change over the last year. I was 'awakened' by Al Gore's video An Inconvenient Truth. The more I have learned about climate change the more disturbing it is. I had not understood how serious things have become, how gravely we have put the world at risk. People tend to laugh about global warming, maybe cite some terrific and fantastic ideas about what could happen - like it is a horror movie, but then go back to their normal lives. What I learned at the UN meeting is that we are missing all of the key deadlines to reduce emissions and set new standards. Key scientist at the UN meeting were explained that we can forget about keeping the global temperature average increase under 2 degrees centigrade. It is too late for that. To put this in perspective, over the last 200 years we have increased the global average temperature by 0.7 degrees. The scientists are saying that at 3.7 degree increase, the human race will not likely survive the climate impact (extreme heat, droughts, wars, and the risk of another ice age in our lifetimes). I had a hard time making sense of the United Nations meeting. The diplomats were sometimes acting like school boys. There seemed to be little clear political leadership, though the halls were filled with highly educated, committed and influential people. I started to see that it was all going very wrong. China was leading the countries of the South in a protest and resistance to the North. They were talking about equity, and how the North had created the problem. The North was not committing to enough reductions in GHG, but the South was meant not to industrialise. They had a point, except for the fact that we as humans are sinking our own raft and we will all go down together unless there is political leadership to do something now. It was only when I went to an interfaith meeting that I began to understand the dynamics. Dr John T. Brinkman, a Christian theologian from Japan explained that early on in the FCCC meetings, everyone was talking about ethics, responsibilities, personal obligations - but they could not find common ground, they were afraid, this was all too difficult and frightening. The UN negotiators retreated into technical meetings, discussing finances, technology transfers, more science, more quick fixes. They shifted from the core negotiation which is about commitments as humans to doing something (reducing emissions, living a simpler and wiser life) - and diverted themselves into endless technical discussions which founder on politics and non-issues. The World Council of Churches, in coopearation with the Church of Sweden is promoting Interfaith action on climate change. In November 2008, the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, Anders Wejryd, invited 30 distinguished persons from different faith traditions around the globe to meet in Uppsala for an Interfaith Summit on Climate Chanage. This meeting produced the Uppsala Interfaith Climate Manifesto of 2008. It was supported by amongst others the Venerable Bhikkhu Khy Sovanratana, personal advisor to the Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia and the Venerable Bhiksuni Chuehman Shih, Theravada Buddhist Coordinator at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan. For more information on the Uppsala Manifesto and the work of the WCC, see the Environmental links here. |
The Lord Buddha was born under a tree, became enlightened under a tree and passed on under a tree. The Indian custom of preserving sacred groves of trees predates the life of the Buddha. The Buddha maintained this respect and reverence for nature. There is a recurring theme within the teachings of the Buddha that we know ourselves best and find peace when we immerse ourselves in the natural world.
The Buddha rebuked monks who were not mindful of protecting trees.
''How can these recluses, sons of the Sakyans, cut down trees and have them cut down? These recluses, sons of the Sakyans, are harming life that is one-faculty,'' said the people. The Buddha called the monks and asked them, ''Is it true, as is said, that you, monks, cut down trees and had them cut down?''.
''It is true, lord,'' they said.
The Enlightened one, the lord, rebuked them, saying: ''How can you, monks, cut down trees and have them cut down? It is not, monks, for pleasing those who are not yet pleased. And thus, monks, this rule of training should be set forth: For destruction of vegetable growth there is an offence of expiation''.
(Quoted from Prof. J B Dissanayaka)
Forest Based Buddhism in Thailand
In the 19th century, Buddhism underwent a major revival and refocusing in Thailand under the inspired leadership of King Mongkut, son of King Rama II. Mongkut founded a fresh monastic order, the Thammayut Nikaya (“those adhering strictly to the monastic discipline'') to revive monastic discipline and the Buddha’s Forest tradition.
The revived forest tradition was particularly strong in North East Thailand on the border of Laos. Three masters arose in succession who emphasised the importance of forest based practice and meditation. These were Phra Ajahn Sao Kantasilo Mahathera (1861 – 1941), Phra Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta (1870 – 1949) and Luang Por Ajahn Chah (1918 - 1992). Ajahn Chah founded a Theravadan monastery oriented to foreigners who wish to study the Dhamma and ordain in the forest tradition, Wat Pah Nanachat.
Today we are faced with the realities of climate change, global warming, rapid deforestation, destruction of biological diversity, desertification and growing poverty. These are primarily caused by human actions, greed, carelessness and a lack of wisdom. Buddhism is one way in which we can pay more attention to our impact on others and this world we live in. You don't have to change the world, but if you change yourself - for the better - it will have a lasting impact...
| Environmental Links | ||
| A Buddhist Introduction to Climate Change | ||
| This Earth Haven website has a simple to understand introduction to the evidence and causes of global warming. | ||
| A Buddhist network on Climate Change | ||
| Here is an interesting online Buddhist initiative around climate change, including a new publication out on Buddhist responses to the climate emergency. Worth exploring this site. | ||
| Association of Buddhists for the Environment | ||
| Thai Buddhists unite for the Environment | ||
| Australian Buddhists react to climate change | ||
| In all environmental issues particularly climate change, we can be mindful of the message of the Buddha more than 2550 years ago. The three poisons greed, hatred and delusion have effects going beyond the now. The arising of unwholesome unpleasant states is the result of ignorance of the consequences of wrong action and perpetuation of bad habits. One who practices Sila— moral living, Samadhi — concentration leading to mindfulness, and Panna, wisdom, heeds the universe,and the preservation of all forms of life. | ||
| Buddhism and Forests | ||
| Laura Kay Johnson looks at Buddhism and nature and implications for forest policy | ||
| Buddhist Blog with updates | ||
| This Buddhist blog carries overviews of other websites dealing with Buddhist actions in response to climate change. | ||
| Buddhist Ecological Blog | ||
| A great site for updated information on Buddhism and responses to climate change, including the Buddhist statement on global warming. | ||
| Buddhist Ecological Webpage | ||
| An important source of information on climate change and Buddhism. | ||
| Dependent Origination & Climate Change | ||
| A BUDDHIST ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES AND CONDITIONS BEHIND THE CLIMATE CRISIS Paper presented at the Third Buddhist-Catholic Monastic Conference at Gethsemani Abbey, Kentucky, May 28, 2008 | ||
| Dharma Forest site on climate and the Buddhist statement | ||
| From the Buddhist forest tradition: roots and action to save the planet. | ||
| Dharma Gaia | ||
| Here is a Buddhist essay on dhamma and the Gaia understanding of a sentient, self-regulating planet. Written by David Abram. | ||
| Ecology Monks & Ordination of a Tree | ||
| Report on Eco-monks in Thailand | ||
| Full text of the Uppsala Interfaith Climate Manifesto 2008 | ||
| Sweden invites the World's faith leadership to commit to a plan of action to reduce Green House Gas emissions and save the planet. | ||
| Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 SUMMARY DOCUMENT | ||
| Here is the UN's Executive Summary of the Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 - this is the most up to date global report on the loss of biodiversity and species, notably the degradation and collapse of diverse ecosystems due to human actions and intentions. | ||
| Greening of Buddhist practice | ||
| Kenneth Kraft relays teachings on the environment and Buddhist mindfulness | ||
| Harvard Review of Buddhism and Environmental Conservation | ||
| International Interfaith Organisations Network | ||
| The Uppsala Interfaith Climate Manifesto 2008 Faith traditions addressing Global Warming | ||
| Pure Land perspective on global warming and Buddhism | ||
| This site is part of a series of Pure Land responses to global environmental challenges. Readable and well-laid out. | ||
| South African Faith Communities Environment Institute | ||
| SAFCEI home website | ||
| Venerable Bhikkhu Buddhadasa and environmental issues | ||
| Venerable Bhikkhu Buddhadasa has been one of the most radical voices in modern Buddhism. He has been an activist for social and environmental mindfulness and justice. | ||
| WCC actions at the Climate change conference | ||
| Summary of interfaith statements and actions in Poznan at UN Climate Change Conference, December 2008. | ||
| WCC speaks to the United Nations about faith and climate commitments | ||
| News item from the World Council of Churches on the interfaith panel at the Climate Change Conference in Poland | ||
