Buddhism is the Solution to Our Current Environmental...

Buddhism is the Solution to Our Current Environmental Problems The destruction of the environment is a major problem in the world today. The exploitation of natural resources, over population, pollution and the spread of human’s impact has negatively affected the quality of the Earth. All life is suffering from the environmental degradation. Air and water quality in cities and surrounding areas is poor. Greenhouse gas emissions are causing a global climate change that is displacing many species out of their natural habitat. The root cause of these issues is that human action negatively effects the environment. Western culture exploits the Earth as a resource for materialist growth. We are driven to develop without fully†¦show more content†¦I will show how the principal teachings of Buddhism create a connection to the Earth, thereby helping preserving it. I have focused of four concepts of Buddhism that connect to environmental prosperity. These four ideas are central to Buddhism and very influential in a Buddhist’s life. The first principal is the simple yet very profound concept of having compassion for all sentient beings. This idea, when taken to heart, connects all life into a harmonious relationship which each other. The second Buddhist practice that I will connect to environmental prosperity is the everyday practice of meditation. Meditation can have many effects that help promote the environment by connecting to the Earth on a personal level. The Middle Way is the third Buddhist concept that is discussed. The Middle Way is a life of non-extremes in every aspect. This leads to proper relationships with people, the land, material goods, and the self that creates a life in balance with nature. My forth topic is the connection between Buddhism and environmental activism. Buddhist teachings foster a motivation and selflessness to the Earth that creates environmental activists. Sentient Beings A sentient being is a living animal with consciousness, allowing it to feel emotions like suffering and happiness. All sentient beings experience some kind of suffering since that is the nature of life.Show MoreRelatedThe Application of Traditional Disciplines to Solve the Ecological Crisis1359 Words   |  6 PagesIt was a misfortune for the world that an omnivorous primate and not some more compassionate form of animal made the sentient breakthrough. Our species retains hereditary traits that add immensely to our destructive impact. Instinctively, we are tribal and aggressively territorial, intent on the acquisition of resources with complete disregard for other organisms, and oriented by selfish sexual and reproductive drives. 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