Buddhism as base for a new Ecological Ethical Philosophy

anagami

The long title is:
Buddhism, and comparative religions, philosophies and sciences, as base for a new Ecological Ethical Philosophy.

Post here any questions of those concepts of Buddhism that you think may work for a new Ethical system. Also post what specific ideas that come from either religion, philosophy or science that can help start this system. All ideas are "free for all"; they survive if they are worthy.

I will start with a sweet sanskrit word adapted to this era:
nekkhama "the pleasure of (materialistic or consumption) renunciation, the pleasure of knowing that what is more valuable in a society is that which is given, from a smile, hug, kiss to the gift of information, the pleasure of meditating properly and living with just essentials, the pleasure of enjoying being in a pristine natural place and just breath and smile. originaly used as the pleasure of living an ascetic life preceded by a renunciation of the 'activities of worldings' expanded to take into acount social life and ecology."
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anagami.net

americandream

BigTex

Anyone who hasn't studied Buddhism should do so.

It contains some of the most subtle ideas that the human mind has produced (or recognized).

It's not a religion.
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Smile

satjeet · Heavy Crude Joined: Jul 15, 2004 Posts: 123

I practice Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N.Goenka. This is in the so-called Hinayana (lesser vehicle) branch of Buddhism. A claim is made that it was the method the Buddha taught.

It is a very simple meditation that can be described in a few sentences. But it should be experienced to understand it. Although there are stories that the Buddha would teach it directly and simply, the way I learned it was in a ten day retreat that introduced the technique gradually step by step.

FreakOil

I have to agree with BigTex and americandream. Buddhism does have some brilliant ideas. But here in China, we've got Buddhist monks blessing cars for cash and praying for people at 10,000RMB a pop. It is not free of corruption.

I am interested in hearing more ideas on this topic. In general, I'm looking at ways to bring people away from the endless cycle of consumption and insecurity. I'm sure Buddhism has a lot to offer in that regard.
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"We shall live in interesting times, and we shall die in them too." - Heineken

Heineken

With reference to the title of this thread:

I am attracted to some Buddhist concepts, but my impression is that predominately Buddhist countries aren't particularly "ecological."

Take Thailand as a quick example. Mostly Buddhist, but horrible deforestation and other damage are proceeding rapidly there.
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"Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog

"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother

FourOfSwords

True, Buddhism has many commendable precepts to live by. But if we're out to improve the planet(enviroment) then I might suggest a nature based spirituality.
If we're out to improve the human condition, might I suggest old fashioned Philosophy.
My two pennies worth..
Cheers, Namste, May Reason Guide You, Walk In Peace... Smile

Alex

vision-master

This........

or Taht....... Razz

I'll take one of "this" to go please.

Iaato

Check out Joanna Macy, a Buddhist poet from UCSF who combines ecologic thought with spirituality.

http://www.joannamacy.net/html/great.html
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"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it." --Patrick Henry

anagami

anagami

anagami · Last edited by anagami on Sun Mar 30, 2008 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total

anagami

FourOfSwords

mkwin · Intermediate Crude Joined: Jun 01, 2007 Posts: 569

Very interesting point.

I am not surprised Buddhism is corrupted all religions are spiritual movements are hi-jacked by materialistic people.

When I was younger I studied Buddhism and other eastern spiritual movement like Taoism and the Indian Yogic tradition. Very interesting stuff.

The key is, however, spirituality gives people satisfaction. Meditating completely aware of the present moment is an amazing experience and in which you feel so alive and happy. Why would you need a Ferrari if you can feel this good for free? In the west the decline of religion has left a vacuum, which we have been filling with material consumption.