Environmental Ethics in Buddhism A Virtues Approach [Hardcover]

Environmental Ethics in Buddhismpresents a logical and thorough examination of the metaphysical and ethical dimensions of early Buddhist literature. The author determines the meaning of nature in the early Buddhist context from general Buddhist teachings on dhamma, paticcasamuppada, samsara and the cosmogony of the Agganna Sutta. Consequently, the author shows that early Buddhism can be understood as an environmental virtue ethics. To illustrate this dimension, the Jatakas are used as a source. These are a collection of over five hundred folk tales, which also belong to early Buddhist literature. This work gives an innovative approach to the subject, which puts forward a distinctly Buddhist environmental ethics that is in harmony with traditional teachings as well as adaptable and flexible in addressing environmental problems.

 1. Towards an Environmental Ethics in Buddhism  2. Nature: A Conservationist Analysis  3. Nature: A Cosmological Approach  4. Environmental Virtue Ethics in Early Buddhism  5. The Environmental Virtues of Early Buddhism  6. Environmental Virtue Ethics in the Jatakas.  Conclusion

I urge Buddhist students and teachers to take up this environmental ethics discourse as a prime arena for examining the Buddha's teachings. We need to take our place at the table with Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, scientists, poets, politicians, and economists. In this regard, we can thank Sahni and other Buddhist environmental thinkers for offering us thoughtful springboards for reflection and action. -- Stephanie Kaza, Buddharma, Spring 2008

Pragati Sahniis currently Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Delhi University. Her current research interests include Environmental Philosophy, Applied Ethics and Early Buddhist Philosophy. She has published some arlóí