“Harmonious Co-existence” in Buddhism

Makio TAKEMURA Toyo University

What is the problem? the progress of Science and Technology → mass-production mass-consumption → mass-waste-production → environment destruction

The back ground of the problem １ Method of Science dualism of subject and object reductionism into elements divide and rule

The background of the problem ２ View of Nature priority of human beings treating nature as material View of life egoism pursuit of desires

Way of solution for problem atomism → view of relationships priority of human beings → equal partnership of human beings and nature pursuit of desires → pursuit of true life

The philosophy of Buddhism 1 The fundamental world view is Dharma-pluralism. Dharma is element of material and psychological world. Sarvastivadin 75 dharmas of 5 categories Yogacara 100 dharmas of 5 categories

The philosophy of Buddhism 2 The philosophy of dependent origination is the principle of Buddhism. dependent origination cause ＋ conditions → fruit It means denial of God, denial of a cause, or denial of happenstances.

The philosophy of Buddhism ３ Kegon-philosophy says one is all and all are one, or one penetrates into all and all penetrate into one, and the world of “ji ji mu ge” (all matters are interacted)

The philosophy of Buddhism 4 It also says, whole is in an element and all elements are in an element. The example of the net of Indra is used for the explanation. The philosophy of Buddhism is very similar with it of Ecology.

The philosophy of Buddhism5 The philosophy of Consciousness-only says, nature is in our minds. Mind has the image of object in it. → So all consciousnesses have both of objective part and subjective part. Thing itself is in Alaya-vijnana.

The philosophy of Buddhism 6 Construction of consciousnesses five perceptions of eye, ear, nose, tongue and body intellect etc. (mano-vijnana) constant ego-attachment (manonama-vijnana) storehouse of all experience (alaya-vijnana)

The philosophy of Buddhism 7 His body, the material environment and causes of perceptions etc. are in the objective part of Alaya- vijnana. Five perceptions originate depending on the material envirionment in the objective part of Alaya- vijnana. Self is whole of interaction between the subject and the environment via his body. → Self is whole of his body and the subject and the environment.

The philosophy of Buddhism 8 The aim of Buddhism is to release from suffering of born, getting old, disease and death. To release from suffering of rebirth, one must throw away ego-attachment.

The philosophy of Buddhism 9 The aim of Mahayana-Buddhism is to release from suffering of others and self, throwing away the attachment not only for self but also for matters, to realize true self, and to work for others for ever.

The philosophy of Buddhism 10 The practice of purifying the land where he abides is included in Bodhisattva’s practice. Contents of the practice of purifying the land are realization of amenity of the environment and purifying minds of people abiding in the land.

The philosophy of Buddhism 11 Interpretation of Buddhist teaching in Modern Society One should understand the meaning of self deeply, be free from attachments for self and matters, try to develop the spirituality or creativity, work hard to build the society where all beings can realize themselves.

Conclusion Buddhist standpoint for “Harmonious Co-existence” Ⅰ One should understand the meaning of life, and be free from limitless pursuit for matters or convenience.

Conclusion Ⅱ One should recognize that the environment is also in Self, and have deep concern and actual behavior for the crisis of the environment in Modern World

Conclusion Ⅲ One should have insight into the limitless relationships among human beings, animals and plants, and nature, and stop the invasion of environment depending on the way of dividing and ruling.