Eco-Buddhist Thought And Practice And Its Modern Value

Human society has developed into industrial civilization since the 18th century. Along with this trend, destruction and pollution to the ecology caused by human deteriorates into a such a bad situation that human's survival becomes challenging. How to protect the environment and maintain a sustainable development are popular topics worldwide. What is the relationship between life and its environment? How should human treat other species and the ecology? Those are among fundamental questions requiring urgent answers from the study of ecology. Simultaneously, Buddhism earns more and more emphasis and appreciation from the public since it can ideal answers to those questions.As a life philosophy, Buddhism is a religious paradigm offering salvation for its followers, encompasses profound ecological connotations. Buddhist theory on the ecology as well as its practice provides significant feasible content. Therefore, much can be learnt from it in order to correct false ideas and establish the right mindset to improve the ecology, which finally brings the cohesion between human and the environment.This thesis consists of three chapters.Chapterâ… articulates four philosophical principles included in Buddhist scriptures. Huayan School's Buddhist theory on Formation of the Universe best illustrates the integration of the universe form the perspective of interactions. Non-Self theory refutes human's superiority above others and places a high appreciation on the value of life. The Buddhist Nature Rationale exemplifies the all-equal concept, which can be employed to enhance modern ecological comprehension. The Birth, Growth, Corruption, and Destruction process of the universe exhibits that the ecology is changing with its conditions. Thus, human should value the environment and prevent future deterioration. The Pure Land in Buddhism is a prefect example of abundant water resources, benign atmosphere, and fresh air, becoming a source of comparison and contrast for human.Chapterâ…¡mainly introduces Buddhist practice in environmental preservation. Ahimusha can be denoted as high respect for life, liberation for survival helps human increase its ethical consciousness and approval of species diversity, and vegetarianism is wholesome to preserve natural resources. A thrifty and economical lifestyle advocated by Buddhism to destruct the infatuation on Self and Extraversion benefits in an illuminating fashion on purifying human's psychology. The secluded Buddhist monastery is not only an ideal living paradise for Buddhists, but also provides a perfect sample of ecological preservation.Chapterâ…¢summarizes Buddhist ecological philosophy and its pragmatic meaning and draws an approval conclusion in modern sense.