Living In Our Environment
Simply said, a Buddhist perspective on “Respect for the Environment” stems from the following ideas that are emphasized in its teachings:
• Seeing things as they are;
• Recognizing the limits of a self centred view of and approach to life;
• Recognizing the connectedness of phenomena – that everything is related to everything else;
• Realizing that change is constant and everything is impermanent
• Recognizing a Oneness of it all and;
• Being compassionate for all living things and having a sense of gratitude for life.
Reflection of these values is apparent in a contemporary view of respect for the environment. Foremost is the idea that humans consider themselves a part of the natural world and not hold themselves apart from it. Today we realize that in order to survive, we humans must adjust our way of living to accommodate life cycles of all things in ecosystems in which we are a part. Implicit in taking that view, there is acceptance of the connectedness of phenomena in time and space, the constancy of change and the fact of impermanence. And in doing so, we may come to understand and accept a universal oneness of life with gratitude and compassion for all that is part of the oneness.
Showing Personal Respect for the Environment, Taking Personal Action to Stop Polluting, Reducing Environmental Degradation
We have been hearing and learning of all kinds of pollution and environmental degradation for the last 50 years. Public concern, amplified by environmental groups and the media has called collective actions – mostly for better laws and regulations. Generally governments have responded, but the environmental problems we face today seem even more daunting than those we faced 50 years ago. Why is that so? If we have learned one thing about pollution in all this time, it is the fact that pollution is caused by the accumulation of everyday human actions at work and play. That realization, (seeing things as they are) brings us to the further realization that we each must take personal responsibility and personally act in all the roles we take in society, be it parent, student, teacher, homeowner, tenant, employer or employee to contribute to the protection of the environment. In the next pages, a 3 step process for taking specific action to help save the environment is offered for individuals.
In his book, “Ocean: An Introduction to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in North America”, author Kenneth K Tanaka, a Jodo Shinshu minister, has offered a practical framework for behaviour based on Jodo Shinshu teachings and values and has shown how this framework is relevant to modern day issues including the environment. (WisdomOcean Publications, Berkley, California, 1997.)
Three Steps Everyone Can Take to Help Save the Environment
Step 1. Being Aware of Our Own Actions
Please go to www.seql.org/100ways.cfm and download/print out the list of 100 actions and mark the actions you are already taking with a green highlighter and accept our thanks for your efforts. (For more energy conservations actions go to www.energyconservationweek.ca)
Give yourself a Green Grade:
If you have over 75 green marks – grade yourself “A - but I want to be perfect”
If you have 70 – 89 green marks - grade yourself “B - I need to improve”
If you have 50 – 69 green marks - grade yourself “C – I need to improve more”
If you have below 50 green marks – grade yourself “C minus – I need to improve a lot” (we’re being positive-let’s reward every positive action)
Step 2. Committing to Personally Act
Please pick at least 3 new actions from each category that you aren’t doing now but are willing to take on and mark them in red highlighter. Various actions take different kinds of effort, so think carefully about which actions you really want or can take on.
Step 3. Track Your Progress
Please track your progress by reviewing your new actions regularly over the next few months. This will help you incorporate them into your normal living routine.