| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中央大學 === 中國文學系 === 103 === Since the industrial revolution in the 18th century, damage to the natural ecosystem has become more sever due to the growth of economic demands and greed. With increasing attention on the severity of the treats to the ecosystem, the study of ecology should gradually extend to all aspects of human-nature relations. What kind of relationship will it be, between man and environment, man and other organisms, and man and non-living things? How should human treat other organisms and the natural environment? These are the questions to be answered in the ecological studies.
Buddhism itself is not the study of ecology however its holistic vision encompasses the entire ecosystem. This can be seen from ‘Three Realms of Heaven’ to the imaginative universe of the ‘Macrocosmic World’. ‘Three Poisons’ has been reveals in “Aganna Sutta” as the root cause of environmental degradation. From the equality of monk, human and other beings, the interrelations and interdependencies amongst all creatures in the teachings of Buddha encompass rich elements of ecological philosophy.
The practicality of Buddhist teachings and environmental conservation, the treatment and attitude towards the universe and natural environment will be reviewed through the understanding of “Pratitya Nikaya”from the five Buddhist sutras. Buddha or Siddharta Gautama’s went through important stages of his life under a tree – he was born, attained enlightenment and passed into the state of Parinirvana, shows the close relationship between Buddhism and the natural world. The merciful Buddhist teachings expands the caring attitude towards everything in the universe. The prohibition of killing in Buddhism lies in the spirit of respect towards lives. These may inspire human relations with the universe and the natural world with proper attitude and treatment.
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