Da Nang Buddhism protects the environment

* Buddhist philosophy on the environment

The research team of Associate Professor, Dr. Luu Quy Khuong and his colleagues pointed out two theoretical bases that Buddhism guides people to live close to and love nature, in accordance with current environmental protection activities. Those two theoretical bases are the theory of Dependent Origination and All living beings are equal.

The Buddhist theory of Dependent Origination states that “The nature of phenomena has its causes and conditions. The relationship between humans and nature depends on the conditions of causes and conditions to arise, exist, transform and perish without depending on human consciousness. The natural environment is the foundation of all existence.” In the Bodhi chapter of the Minor Collection, the Buddha said: “Because this exists, that exists. Because this arises, that arises. Because this does not exist, that does not exist. Because this ceases, that ceases.”

The theory that “All living beings can become Buddhas” holds that not only humans and animals, but also plants, trees, and bricks have Buddha nature. With this idea, Buddhism affirms that all living beings are equal. And this world was not created for humans to enjoy benefits alone. No species is born to serve another species, but only because of the survival instinct that they “eat” each other.

Based on the above philosophy, Buddhism has practiced a number of environmental protection activities. The first is to protect the lives of living beings. Because he understood the close relationship between all species on this Earth, the Buddha taught to protect the lives of all species, not to destroy any species. The Buddha advised Buddhists to keep the five precepts, of which the precept against killing is the first precept. Not only stop killing other animals but also release animals (release captured birds, fish, etc. back into the natural environment).

During the Buddha's time, environmental protection was not as important as it is today, but with his wisdom and compassion, he guided people to live in harmony with nature. He always praised and considered the mountains and forests as an ideal refuge for monks and nuns.

Buddhist philosophy guides people to a lifestyle in harmony with nature (illustrative photo)

According to Buddhism, environmental destruction and pollution are the consequences of greed and the desire to benefit by over-exploiting nature. Therefore, to control unnecessary desires, in the Tripitaka, Middle Length Discourses II, the Buddha practiced and taught five dharmas that his disciples must respect and rely on to practice. Those five dharmas are: “Eat little, know enough of all kinds of clothing; Know enough of all kinds of food; Know enough of any kind of seat; Live in seclusion”. This also means that the Buddha taught his disciples the dharma of “minimizing desires and being content”, so as not to harm themselves but also to benefit all living beings.

The Buddha has many teachings related to planting trees to protect the environment. In the Anguttara Nikaya, he taught: “Planting trees gives us shade, besides purifying the air, it also preserves the Earth, which is beneficial for everyone and for ourselves.” Or in another passage of the sutra it is taught: “A Bhikkhu who plants three types of trees: fruit trees, flower trees and leaf trees to offer to the Triple Gem will receive blessings and will not commit a sin.”

* Da Nang Buddhism actively protects the environment

The research team surveyed a number of environmental protection activities in religious communities in Da Nang and identified a number of highlights, especially when implementing the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Response Program for the 2016-2020 period.

Green scenery at Quan The Am Pagoda - Ngu Hanh Son (illustrative photo)

According to records, many pagodas in the city still retain natural landscapes such as Linh Ung - Bai But Pagoda, Quan The Am Pagoda...

Ngu Hanh Son is a scenic spot, currently classified as a special national monument. Since ancient times, many pagodas have been built on Ngu Hanh Son, blending with nature - the unique scenery of Ngu Hanh Son... And now tourism is developing very strongly, so the government, in coordination with the Front and the pagoda, is always aware of the issue of environmental protection. The pagoda always creates a landscape of green trees, flowers, fruit trees, and releases birds to stay on the mountain to sing with nature.

At Linh Ung Pagoda, every year, the pagoda signs an agreement with the Forest Ranger Department to ensure that there are no forest fires around the pagoda. The pagoda also advises Buddhists not to burn votive paper or incense to avoid causing forest fires. There are signs in the pagoda grounds warning against littering.

Monkeys living at Linh Ung Pagoda (illustrative photo)

Not only Linh Ung – Bai But Pagoda, but also other Buddhist monasteries in the city, have also encouraged Buddhists to limit the burning of incense, lamps, and votive paper, and to regularly clean the premises and surrounding areas of worship. Bau Sen Pagoda, Cam Le District, has organized the model “Buddhists of Bau Sen Pagoda for a green - clean - beautiful environment”.

According to the research team, Buddha is a pioneer in the field of protecting the ecological environment of the earth. Living according to Buddha means living mindfully and loving all species, loving nature and the environment. Buddhists have applied Buddha's teachings to their daily lives, creating a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

The group conducted a survey on environmental protection activities of Buddhists who followed Buddhist teachings. The most popular was protecting the lives of large animals with 53 choices (84%). Next were living in harmony with nature and planting trees with 81% and 79%, respectively. Third was being vegetarian at least 2 days a month or being a vegetarian with 47 choices (75%). Other choices were contentment (67%), cleaning up the place of residence every Sunday morning (62%) and collecting trash on the beach (48%).

Through analyzing the above picture, it can be seen that the majority of Buddhists are aware of protecting the environment and forming an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

In order for Buddhist moral values to reach the people in general and Buddhists in particular, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Da Nang City has focused on propaganda work so that the Buddha's teachings are understood and acted upon by disciples through traditional forms (word of mouth, books, newspapers...) and modern forms (internet...).

Nowadays, digital media is an effective method. Therefore, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Da Nang City has built an electronic information portal and a Facebook fanpage managed by the Communications Department of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Da Nang City. Environmental protection is also one of the contents mentioned in these two tools.

In addition, pagodas also organize retreats to guide Buddhists in practicing and living according to the teachings and precepts of Buddhism, in accordance with the spirit of engagement in the world that the Buddha wanted to convey. In the sermons, the lecturers all mentioned the issues of the five precepts, vegetarianism, cause and effect, karma, love-compassion-joy-equanimity (the four immeasurable minds) ... familiar issues that anyone can listen to, understand and follow. That is the strength of Vietnamese Buddhist education in general.

Source