Abstract
Against the backdrop of the current global ecological crisis, it is particularly significant to explore the role of Buddhist culture, practiced by 488 million adherents, in promoting environmental sustainability. Since the late 20th century, when Holmes Rolston reinterpreted the theories of Buddhist Zen school, based on modern deep ecology and holistic thought, establishing the concept of Eco-Buddhism, the Buddhist ecological thought has garnered widespread attention from both academic and religious circles. However, due to the slow development of Buddhist modernization, a modern Buddhist ecological theory and practice that can promote sustainable ecological development has not yet matured. In recent years, under the coordinated arrangement of the national Buddhist management organization “The Buddhist Association of China,” Chinese Buddhism has continuously promoted the study of Buddhist ecological thoughts and the construction of ecological temples across various regions, forming numerous theoretical achievements and practical pilot projects. This provides the possibility for us to further understand and evaluate the specific role of Buddhist culture in promoting environmental sustainability. This study uses textual analysis and critical reappraisal methods to conduct a philosophical analysis of current Chinese ecological Buddhism construction theories and practices, including papers, documents, plans, and news reports. On the one hand, it focuses on the positive role of the ideas of equality of all beings and compassion in Buddhist culture in building an ecologically sustainable society. On the other hand, it analyzes the risks that the dependency on religious leaders and their cognitive limitations bring to the construction of ecological Buddhism.
Presenters
Kai WangLecturer, Institute of Chinese Traditional Culture, Ocean University of China, Shandong, China
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Economic, Social, and Cultural Context
KEYWORDS
Buddism culture, Religion, Environmental Sustainability, Ecology
