The social philosophy of Buddhism acts as a guide for living life in the most mindful, compassionate, and just way; of which there are three main ways to do so. First, according to Interbeing by Hanh, rejection of universal Truth is one of the most important keys to living a compassionate life. Secondly, Seeds of Peace by Sirvaraska discusses consumerism’s poisonous effects on mindful living. Lastly, The Great Awakening written by Loy connects mindful living to the equalitarian relation connecting all things in addressing environmental issues and reject hierarchies.
To begin, the concept of holding a universal Truth must be rejected in order to live a compassionate life. Hanh explains that “the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless… Truth is found in life, and we… learn throughout our life” (17). Buddhism rejects this delusion of Truth because the “attachment to false universals and wrong perceptions” causes suffering through “narrow-minded [ness],” “fanaticism and intolerance” of others (17). …show more content…
The common ideology of a hierarchy and dualism between humans and the environment has led to the exploitation and destruction of our mother Earth. Loy goes against this mentality and describes that “Homo sapiens is one of a ‘ten thousand thing’s… There is no bifurcation in reality between the humans and the non-humans realms” (173). We and all things are connected, equal, and dependent on each other, “no matter how insignificant it may seem” (185). Thus, “there is no hierarchy” and duality is delusive (183). Loy uses the term, “biocentric equality” to shows the interconnections between all things, even nature. This grants them equal inherent value to live and the right to flourish (192). So we are called to respect the Earth and live in harmony with everything on it, because we all are one of the
To begin, the concept of holding a universal Truth must be rejected in order to live a compassionate life. Hanh explains that “the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless… Truth is found in life, and we… learn throughout our life” (17). Buddhism rejects this delusion of Truth because the “attachment to false universals and wrong perceptions” causes suffering through “narrow-minded [ness],” “fanaticism and intolerance” of others (17). …show more content…
The common ideology of a hierarchy and dualism between humans and the environment has led to the exploitation and destruction of our mother Earth. Loy goes against this mentality and describes that “Homo sapiens is one of a ‘ten thousand thing’s… There is no bifurcation in reality between the humans and the non-humans realms” (173). We and all things are connected, equal, and dependent on each other, “no matter how insignificant it may seem” (185). Thus, “there is no hierarchy” and duality is delusive (183). Loy uses the term, “biocentric equality” to shows the interconnections between all things, even nature. This grants them equal inherent value to live and the right to flourish (192). So we are called to respect the Earth and live in harmony with everything on it, because we all are one of the