Le Duc - The Three Characteristics of Existence in Buddhism and Environmental Well-Being

As the environmental crisis unfolds in complex and multifarious ways, it is becoming increasingly clear that this is an inter-disciplinary issue with multi-layered causes as well as approaches towards finding effective solutions. The scope and seriousness of the crisis have become such that it requires a concerted effort from multiple disciplines–science, sociology, public policy, economics, and religion–in order to address all of its dimensions. While no doubt each field is able to offer its own method of dealing with the issue, to rely on any single sector is probably unwise and ultimately less successful than the multi-disciplinary approach. Tus, each respective field must make its own contributions to the entire effort if the problem is to be effectively solved. Tis paper is concerned with the contribution made by religion, in particular Theravada Buddhism, which is adhered to by the majority of the peoples in the countries of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Theravada Buddhism, however, also has great appeal to many people outside of the region and its teachings can influence people in their thinking and actions.