Protecting Our Environment (3) Ven. Yin Shun
II. The Buddhist Tradition of Protecting the Environment Most people regard the Buddhist religion as conservative and passive. Many think that Buddhism only teaches people to recite mantras and be vegetarians. They do not associate the religion with progressive ideas such as environmental protection. In truth, Buddhism has a long history of environmental protection, well before the concept becomes popular as a modern social cause. Throughout its history, Buddhism has had a profound positive impact on the environment. Monastics have planted trees, dredged rivers, repaired roads, mended bridges, and thoughtfully used and cared for natural resources. During discourses, monastics encouraged devotees to free captured animals, promoted vegetarianism, and reminded all to value the gifts of nature. From these actions, we see that monastics are environmental activists before the term "environmental protection" was coined. This tradition of nurturing the natural world continues to this day. Protecting the environment does not always mean leaving it untouched, reserving it for viewing from a distance. We live on this planet and have to utilize the natural resources it offers. This, however, must be accomplished with utmost respect for nature. Venerable Ming-yun of ancient China planted thousands of trees along the Szchou River to prevent flooding. Venerable Tao-yu of Loyeung saw that many ships had capsized along the Lung-men gorge on the Yellow River. To prevent further tragedy, he and his friend Pai Chi-yi[6] rallied the local residents to widen the river and so slowed the flow of the river. These two examples are well documented, but there were many similar environmental works that escaped recognition. In their travels, many monastics had forged paths through the jungle and laid steps over jagged mountains to ease the passage for future travelers. Without any fanfare, they worked to balance the needs of the environment with those of mankind, practicing the bodhisattva spirit of providing convenience for all. On March 4, 1992, during our annual Buddha's Light Conference, we held a workshop to promote "environmental and spiritual" protection. We encouraged everyone to start with beautifying one's mind and spirit and then extend outwards to beautifying the environment. We offered twelve guidelines, as follows: 1. Speak quietly-do not disturb others. 2. Keep the ground clean-do not litter. 3. Keep the air clean-do not smoke or pollute. 4. Respect oneself and others-do not commit violent acts. 5. Be polite-do not intrude on others. 6. Smile-do not face others with an angry expression. 7. Speak kindly-do not utter abusive words. 8. Follow the rules-do not seek exemptions or privileges. 9. Mind your actions-do not violate rules of ethics. 10. Consume consciously-do not waste. 11. Be grounded-do not live aimlessly. 12. Practice kindness-do not create malice. Furthermore, the International Buddha's Light Association, together with various governmental agencies in Taiwan, worked to preserve the water source of Kaoshiung by campaigning for planting new trees and preserving existing ones. By planting new trees-two million to be exact-we were able to directly protect Kaoshiung's water source. By recycling paper, we reduced the need to cut down trees, which also protected the water source. When we Buddhists think of a pure, clean environment, we would naturally think of Amitabha's Western Paradise. On his path as a bodhisattva, Amitabha made forty-eight great vows. Through the strength of these vows, he manifested the Western Paradise, a land of unparalleled beauty. The ground is covered with gold, pagodas are built with seven kinds of gems, and all facilities are in excellent condition. In Western Paradise there is only public good, no public harm. There is only beauty, no toxin, noise or pollution. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the water has eight wonderful qualities: clear, cool, sweet, soft, soothing, peaceful, cleansing, and nourishing. Everyone in Pure Land is kind, in full health of mind and body, had ageless longevity, and free of the three poisons6. None of them would ever consider chopping down trees, and the landscape reflects such thoughtfulness. This is why we say Amitabha Buddha is our good teacher of maintaining a sound mind and a healthy environment.
