The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

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dhammapal
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The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by dhammapal »

Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote:The fact that the Unconditioned can be attained forces us to re-evaluate any other goals we may set for ourselves, whatever worlds we want to create, in our lives. On an obvious level, it points out the spiritual poverty of a life devoted to wealth, status, or sensual pursuits; but it also forces us to take a hard look at other more "worthwhile" goals that our culture and its sub-cultures tend to exalt, such as social acceptance, meaningful relationships, stewardship of the planet, etc. These, too, will inevitably lead to suffering. The interdependence of all things cannot be, for any truly sensitive mind, a source of security or comfort. If the Unconditioned is available, and it is the only trustworthy happiness around, it only makes sense that we invest our efforts and whatever mental and spiritual resources we have in its direction.
From: The Meaning of the Buddha's Awakening by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
As a celibate layperson, what would be a proper Buddhist attitude to developing powerful influence in the world in order to help save the planet's biodiversity, mediation during armed conflict (meditation too!) and generally nurturing nature for business-as-usual continuation of civilization?

Thanks / dhammapal.
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Ben
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Ben »

Live a Dhammic life, an exemplary life.
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725

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DAWN
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by DAWN »

Simplicity
Sabbe dhamma anatta
We are not concurents...
I'am sorry for my english
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Kim OHara
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Kim OHara »

With all due respect to Ven. Thanissaro, this quotation is a perfect example of the Theravadin mind-set which is so often (and rightly, IMO) criticised from outside our tradition and (too often, IMO) quietly accepted within our tradition.
Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote:The fact that the Unconditioned can be attained forces us to re-evaluate any other goals we may set for ourselves, whatever worlds we want to create, in our lives. On an obvious level, it points out the spiritual poverty of a life devoted to wealth, status, or sensual pursuits; but it also forces us to take a hard look at other more "worthwhile" goals that our culture and its sub-cultures tend to exalt, such as social acceptance, meaningful relationships, stewardship of the planet, etc. These, too, will inevitably lead to suffering. The interdependence of all things cannot be, for any truly sensitive mind, a source of security or comfort. If the Unconditioned is available, and it is the only trustworthy happiness around, it only makes sense that we invest our efforts and whatever mental and spiritual resources we have in its direction.
From: The Meaning of the Buddha's Awakening by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Look at that last sentence again. It is utterly, shamelessly selfish: "Make yourself happy and ignore everything else"!!
And it is utterly out of step with the eightfold noble path, the brahmaviharas and Buddha's own example (do you think that forty years of teaching the same things over and over again to an endless stream of different people was something he did for fun?).

Ben's response was a good one, but I would go a bit further with the idea of "exemplary". Right speech, Right action, Right livelihood? Yes. Compassion? Yes, but extending to the kinds of social action which my alleviate suffering of whole groups of people. For instance, if we live in a racist society, compassionate action on behalf of the victims includes speaking out (where appropriate) against racism, not just (e.g.) giving food the the victims of discrimination.
This kind of social engagement is ideally not a distraction from practice but an integral part of practice.

:namaste:
Kim
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Ben
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Ben »

Kim O'Hara wrote:Ben's response was a good one, but I would go a bit further with the idea of "exemplary".
I'm glad you did, Kim. I wanted to stop at 'exemplary' to see whether it inspired further discussion or criticism. Important aspects of my practice include generosity and self-less service. I'm also a great fan of Bhikkhu Bodhi and his views on Buddhists actively engaging with the world to enact positive change. Living sustainably, treating others with compassion and generosity, advocating for social justice, in my mind, is part of living an exemplary life.
kind regards,

Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725

Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global ReliefUNHCR

e: [email protected]..
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mikenz66
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by mikenz66 »

Surely looking after others (and the planet) is firmly in the Path under dana and right livelihood?

Actually, I thought I read Ven Thanissaro saying as much elsewhere... :thinking:

:anjali:
Mike
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James the Giant
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by James the Giant »

I've met more than a few monks who have scoffed at and poo-pooed the idea of an engaged Buddhism that is deeply concerned with the state of the world and our environment. I was quite shocked when they scoffed. (Western Thai-Forest-Tradition monks, in a couple of the Ajahn Chah branch monasteries. )

There are two books which I know about but have not read, which you may be interested in.
One is Dharma Rain: Sources of Buddhist Environmentalism, edited by Stephanie Kaza and Kenneth Kraft, Shambala, Boston & London, 2000, ISBN 1-57062-475-5
It's published by Shambala and has excellent reviews.

The other is...
Buddhism and Deep Ecology, by Dr Daniel H Henning. I've heard not much about this, so I don't know.
Then,
saturated with joy,
you will put an end to suffering and stress.
SN 9.11
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Monkey Mind
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Monkey Mind »

Conversely, I've known many "engaged Buddhists" who run themselves ragged attending save-the-world committees; at the end of the day they have zero time for Dhamma study or practice. Seems to me the goal should be a "middle way".
"As I am, so are others;
as others are, so am I."
Having thus identified self and others,
harm no one nor have them harmed.

Sutta Nipāta 3.710
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Kim OHara
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Kim OHara »

James the Giant wrote:I've met more than a few monks who have scoffed at and poo-pooed the idea of an engaged Buddhism that is deeply concerned with the state of the world and our environment. I was quite shocked when they scoffed. (Western Thai-Forest-Tradition monks, in a couple of the Ajahn Chah branch monasteries. )
Yes, very disappointing to say the least. What happened to sila as the pre-requisite for spiritual progress?
James the Giant wrote:There are two books which I know about but have not read, which you may be interested in.
One is Dharma Rain: Sources of Buddhist Environmentalism, edited by Stephanie Kaza and Kenneth Kraft, Shambala, Boston & London, 2000, ISBN 1-57062-475-5
It's published by Shambala and has excellent reviews.

The other is...
Buddhism and Deep Ecology, by Dr Daniel H Henning. I've heard not much about this, so I don't know.
Thanks for those references. I had heard of the first but not the second, and haven't read either of them ... yet. :smile:
Amazon't page about Henning's book http://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Deep-Eco ... 1403370060 suggests other related books, in typical Amazon style. It also presents his CV, which is pretty impressive, but there is only one 'review' and it's not a very good one.
The only substantial review I found online was 15 pages of pdf - http://www.icundv.com/vesak2011/panel3/ ... hFINAL.pdf. It looks worthwhile for its own sake but I haven't had time to read it all yet. It begins ...
Buddhism and Deep Ecology: An Appraisal
Dr. Arvind Kumar Singh Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi

We are now in 21st Century, where the human community is in search of new and sustaining relationships to earth amidst an ecological crisis that threatens the very existence of all life forms on the planet. Here, Buddhism needs to be re-examined in the light of current ecological crisis and to generate world views and ethics which underline fundamental attitudes and values of different cultures and societies. Ultimately, deep ecology is manifestation of the spiritual realization of individual. It is born in the individual and comes to fruition through the individual’s religious understanding and practice. According to Daniel H. Henning, “Deep ecology can be considered as the spiritual dimension of the environmental movements. It is a holistic approach to facing environmental problems which brings together thinking, feeling, spirituality and action”.1 Moreover, deep ecology has become sheer necessity for the very survival of the human race2 which has become a menace to living creatures. It is said that the Buddha had foreseen such a crisis long ago by virtue of His deep insight.3 According to Buddhism, the solution to these problems calls for preservation of everything that is bestowed on man by nature and overcoming the obstacles created by nature. Although, Buddhism is a doctrine expounded with the air of spiritual emancipation, yet it contains a great deal of advice to make the worldly life comfortable and happy.4 Buddhism, in fact, was selected for the pilot project in new perspectives for ecological education because it is an ancient, enduring philosophy, embodying strongly themes of awareness and compassion for all life.5
:namaste:
Kim
Buckwheat
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Buckwheat »

I think some context is necessary. It's not like Ven Thanissaro is against being healthy, environmentally friendly, kind, and a wonderful person in worldly terms. I think the point of this is that our personal resources are limited, and the highest good we can do is to become enlightened. The Buddha performed a lifetime of service, but this was only after he became the Buddha. Before that, he invested all of his personal energy into finding the highest possible, unconditioned happiness. I do not see this as selfish unless it is used as an argument against being a responsible person in worldly terms. Ven Thanissaro's teachings (and lifestyle) as a whole make it clear he is not in favor of completely destroying any worldly goodness, only to put a higher good as a higher priority.
Sotthī hontu nirantaraṃ - May you forever be well.
dhammapal
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by dhammapal »

Thanks for the replies.

Another difficult passage:
Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote:However, the actual practice enjoined by the Buddha does not place such a high value on altruism at all. In fact, he gave higher praise to those who work exclusively for their own spiritual welfare than to those who sacrifice their spiritual welfare for the welfare of others (Anguttara Nikaya, Book of Fours, Sutta 95) — a teaching that the mainstream, especially in Mahayana traditions, has tended to suppress. The true path of practice pursues happiness through social withdrawal, the goal being an undying happiness found exclusively within, totally transcending the world, and not necessarily expressed in any social function. People who have attained the goal may teach the path of practice to others, or they may not. Those who do are considered superior to those who don't, but those who don't are in turn said to be superior to those who teach without having attained the goal themselves. Thus individual attainment, rather than social function, is the true measure of a person's worth.
From: Upasika Kee Nanayon and the Social Dynamic of Theravadin Buddhist Practice by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
With metta / dhammapal.
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Polar Bear
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Polar Bear »

dhammapal wrote:Thanks for the replies.

Another difficult passage:
Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote:However, the actual practice enjoined by the Buddha does not place such a high value on altruism at all. In fact, he gave higher praise to those who work exclusively for their own spiritual welfare than to those who sacrifice their spiritual welfare for the welfare of others (Anguttara Nikaya, Book of Fours, Sutta 95) — a teaching that the mainstream, especially in Mahayana traditions, has tended to suppress. The true path of practice pursues happiness through social withdrawal, the goal being an undying happiness found exclusively within, totally transcending the world, and not necessarily expressed in any social function. People who have attained the goal may teach the path of practice to others, or they may not. Those who do are considered superior to those who don't, but those who don't are in turn said to be superior to those who teach without having attained the goal themselves. Thus individual attainment, rather than social function, is the true measure of a person's worth.
From: Upasika Kee Nanayon and the Social Dynamic of Theravadin Buddhist Practice by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
With metta / dhammapal.
Yeah, but this passage should really only be for monks not lay people in my opinion. Social withdrawal will never be complete unless one becomes a monk and goes off to live in the forest. I think people should definitely work to help the environment, save wildlife and wildlife habitat as well as help out the sick and the poor of those among our own species. Virtue isn't just avoiding what's unskillful, it's cultivating that which is skillful and I think personally that helping out people and animals is one of the greatest ways to cultivate the brahmaviharas and other virtues as well as a way to just do some plain old good in the world. Let's look at a passage from Thanissaro's teacher's teacher, Ajahn Lee:
V. Right Livelihood. In maintaining ourselves and supporting our families, expending our wealth for the various articles we use or consume, we must use our earnings — coming from our Right Actions — in ways that are in keeping with moral principles. Only then will they provide safety and security, fostering the freedom and peace in our life that will help lead to inner calm. For example, there are four ways of using our wealth rightly so as to foster our own livelihood and that of others, providing happiness for all —

A. Charity: expending our wealth so as to be of use to the poor, sick, needy, or helpless who merit the help of people who have wealth, both inner and outer, so that they may live in ease and comfort.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai ... peace.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I would consider wildlife as needy and helpless against our destruction of their habitat and the poaching that humans undertake against them. But yeah, the ultimate goal for any buddhist is to attain awakening, extinguish passion, aversion, and delusion and never be reborn again. I would propose that lay buddhists should be proactively virtuous by helping animals and people. Stewardship of the earth is only important so that wildlife and humans can benefit from the gifts of the natural environment, thus stewardship of the planet should center around protecting wildlife habitat and keeping water and atmosphere unpolluted. One of the most overlooked things that should be gotten rid of ASAP is the fertilizer us humans use, it is so destructive to wildlife and water quality it's criminal. Once someone becomes a monk though they should study the dhamma and then go dwell somewhere remaining heedful, ardent and resolute until they reach the goal of the holy life.
"I don't envision a single thing that, when developed & cultivated, leads to such great benefit as the mind. The mind, when developed & cultivated, leads to great benefit."

"I don't envision a single thing that, when undeveloped & uncultivated, brings about such suffering & stress as the mind. The mind, when undeveloped & uncultivated, brings about suffering & stress."
Buckwheat
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Buckwheat »

dhammapal wrote:Thanks for the replies.

Another difficult passage:
Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote:However, the actual practice enjoined by the Buddha does not place such a high value on altruism at all. In fact, he gave higher praise to those who work exclusively for their own spiritual welfare than to those who sacrifice their spiritual welfare for the welfare of others (Anguttara Nikaya, Book of Fours, Sutta 95) — a teaching that the mainstream, especially in Mahayana traditions, has tended to suppress. The true path of practice pursues happiness through social withdrawal, the goal being an undying happiness found exclusively within, totally transcending the world, and not necessarily expressed in any social function. People who have attained the goal may teach the path of practice to others, or they may not. Those who do are considered superior to those who don't, but those who don't are in turn said to be superior to those who teach without having attained the goal themselves. Thus individual attainment, rather than social function, is the true measure of a person's worth.
From: Upasika Kee Nanayon and the Social Dynamic of Theravadin Buddhist Practice by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
With metta / dhammapal.
I think an important phrase in this passage is "sacrifice their spiritual welfare for the welfare of others." It is one thing to help out other people, but it is another to create a whole new sense of self based on self sacrifice for the "greater good". There is nothing wrong with a lay person spending their extra energy deflating the sense of self that seeks "greater good".

How often does one sacrifice their spiritual welfare for the sake of another person's spiritual welfare, only to find out later it was only draining the spiritual welfare of both people? In my experience, it happens quite often. We should focus on our own spiritual development. Sometimes that means helping out another person. However, if we seek out helping others, and define our success by how we help others, then we are aiming at something other than the real goal of this life. Any step away from unbinding causes suffering for ourselves and others.
Sotthī hontu nirantaraṃ - May you forever be well.
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Kim OHara
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by Kim OHara »

Buckwheat wrote:We should focus on our own spiritual development. Sometimes that means helping out another person. However, if we seek out helping others, and define our success by how we help others, then we are aiming at something other than the real goal of this life. Any step away from unbinding causes suffering for ourselves and others.
Hi, Buckwheat,
Here's a response to that:
Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

James Henry Leigh Hunt
It's obviously from a non-Buddhist tradition but I think the principle nevertheless holds true.
I have known it for as long as I can remember, and certainly far longer than I have known about Buddhism, so maybe some sentimental attachment to the poem is rose-tinting my response to it. I don't think so, though: I really can't see that always putting one's own welfare first is anything other than selfishness - therefore directly in opposition to both sila and the dissolution of ego which is a key to liberation.

Sometimes I think I'm emotionally a mahayanist and intellectually a theravadin. This could be one of those times.
:thinking:
Kim
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cooran
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Re: The proper Buddhist attitude to the planet?

Post by cooran »

Hello Kim and all,

Don't despair, :group: there are lots of socially active buddhists in this world - theravada and otherwise:
Buddhism and Social Action An Exploration by Ken Jones
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... el285.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Buddhist Contribution to Social Welfare in Australia By Patricia Sherwood
Lecturer in Social Anthropology Edith Cowan University
http://www.thezensite.com/ZenEssays/Cri ... elfare.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

with metta
Chris
---The trouble is that you think you have time---
---Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe---
---It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---
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