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Since Sri Lanka is home to majority Buddhist citizens, the CFC team investigated the statement made by Vadiraj C S opposing to a comment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This analysis dives deep into the concept of Buddhism, which describes thoughts and actions that will allow us to explore whether these teachings can help us mitigate Climate Change.
The nature of the human mind creates anarchy, violence, bankruptcy, terrorism, and dictatorship. However, Buddhist philosophy emphasizes the value of non-violence. Buddhism is also known for its emphasis on non-violence and no-harm towards all living beings. This allows us to recognize the harm that human activities are causing to the environment and guide us to take right actions to reduce the damage. The mind is difficult to be controlled hence, people engage in various activities that give them short term pleasure. Some of these actions can be unsustainable and be of harm to the environment.
However, the Lord Buddha, the last teacher of the Buddhist philosophy stated that,
“Dunnigghassa lahuno – yathga kammani pathino
Chitthassa dhammtho sadu – chiththam dantham Sukahavaham”
Chitta Wagga- Dhammapada
Meaning: “Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness.”
Controlling the mind is a difficult task. However, but it is not impossible for someone who can is aware and mindful. Buddhism says that this controlled mind leads to greater happiness. A controlled mind is free from thoughts disguised as anger, hatred, and corruption. If you want to know more about the Buddhist philosophy, visit here. Archived
Mindfulness is another critical practice in Buddhism, which involves being fully present and aware of the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, we can become more attuned to our actions and choices and how they impact the environment. Finally, meditation is the major practice of Buddhism which helps us achieve an advanced mind.
Practicing meditation develops the mind part by part and awakens its energy by itself, which helps one achieve inner peace, helping them to be calm and live in the present moment. This is the fundamental foundation of Buddhism.
Just because it is practiced as a religion in a country, does not mean all its citizens understand the deeper philosophy. Even, Lord Buddha stated that his teachings are for intelligent and wise people. It is also important to consider whether all people in the so called Buddhist countries follow Buddhism because they have been born into it or by active choice. Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country where Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions live in harmony. Buddha does not urge Buddhists to follow Buddhism; anyone can come and follow the philosophy if they like. However, the extent to which it is understood varies from person to person. We can think about maintaining a sound mind from the profound sermons preached about the mind in Buddhism. So let’s see how it helps combat climate change.
We interviewed Thapowanaye Rathana Thero, a famous Buddhist preacher, to find the truth. He began his explanation by reciting the “Vanaropa Sutra,”
“Arama ropa vana ropa – yejanan sethukarakan
Papachuupa udapanan – ye karansuu upassayan”
Vanaropa suthraya
Meaning: Maintaining natural forests and creating artificial forests by planting trees is a good practice that receives blessings throughout day-and-night.
Thapowanaye Rathana Thero described that Buddhism advises people to protect trees, keep water bodies clean and reduce the exploitation of natural resources. Moreover, this philosophy emphasizes kindness to all animals in the environment as a virtuous merit. Lord Buddha prioritized these actions and categorized them with special blessings for those who protect natural resources.
Thapowanaye Rathana Thero further stated that it is essential that we don’t distort the existing environment in the name of maintaining a healthy climate.
Overconsumption vs. simplicity
Overconsumption is another issue that aggravates climate change. Overconsumption is when individuals consume more resources than they need faster than the planet can regenerate. Thapowanaye Rathana Thero explained that practicing simplicity is helpful in reducing overconsumption which is already practiced in Buddhism. Buddhism has four main type of followers: Bhikku, Bhikkuni, Upasaka, and Upasika. The Buddha has preached separately to each of these groups on how to use goods.
Accordingly, Buddhist monks(bhikku) have been specifically told not to use any other robes apart from the three robes for general needs. Apart from this, only “Atapirikara” should be used as goods. It includes eight items essential for daily usage. In addition, if Sangharathne receive more robes than they need, they cannot keep them for more than ten days. The “Sigalovada Sutra” according to Thapowanaye Rathana Thero recites how to achieve austerity through proper management.
“Ethena buuge bunjeyya – duhi kamman payojiye
Chathuththan nidapiye – aapadasa parissathi”
Singalovada suthraya
This stanza describes how a person should use the monthly income/salary. Lord Buddha advised dividing the pay into four equal parts first. And the first part should be used for daily needs, the second and third parts should invest in things that bring more money next time, and the fourth part should be deposited for urgent needs such as health issues. According to this method, an individual can save money for the future and live a life of simplicity. Thapowanaye rathana Thero mentioned that Buddhism never promotes selfishness and advises us to look out for those around us and maintain a balanced life by strengthening the economy.
Buddhist philosophy about interconnectedness and empathy to mitigate climate change
This philosophy can offer several insights and practices that can help mitigate climate change. One of the core teachings in Buddhism is the concept of interdependence or dependent origination. This means that all things are connected, and our actions have consequences that ripple throughout the world. Recognizing this interconnectedness can help us see how our actions affect the environment and motivate us to make more sustainable choices.
Another core teaching in Buddhism is the cultivation of compassion and empathy. This can help us recognize the suffering that climate change is causing to people and other living beings. The one with compassion can easily understand the problems nature faces due to human activities. Buddhist philosophy motivates us to take action to alleviate that suffering.
In a Nutshell
In conclusion, the Buddhist philosophy can offer many valuable insights and practices that can help us mitigate climate change. We can work towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the environment by cultivating interconnectedness, compassion, mindfulness, simplicity, non-attachment, and non-violence.
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