Indian Society for Buddhist Studies

Author(s): Prachya Vidyapeeth
Publisher: Prachya Vidyapeeth

Page 65

(50)
Buddhist Ethical Attitude towards Plants and
Animal Welfare
Paulavi Das, Delhi
Our living planet consists of Man, Animal and Plants. These three are the important component of our environment and they are non-detachable from one another. All three are deeply related to each other. Creation or destruction of one necessarily affects the other. Every living being born in this world and have a right to exist and survived. But today's world view is guided by the utilitarianism, materialism, non-sacred and non-spiritual principles. As a result, a view has developed in to the mind of modern world as, the planet earth is meant for us and we can use earth for our own gain and prosperity.
Buddhism strongly advocates a humble attitude towards nature. The ethical teachings of Buddhism are based on individuals intention. It is the intention of the agent makes an act ethical or unethical. An action with true devotion and truthfulness for the greatest happiness and well-being will always considered as ethical. A virtuous action will always intend to minimize the sufferings.
Contemporary modern world is suffering from serious environmental degradation which will hamper not only the present but also the future generation. Human being should be guided by such ethical principles and regulations which will help rather than harming others. The ethical teaching of five precepts, brahmävihara and karma theory explains the regulations to be adapted or to follow for the welfare of ecology. A harmonious relationship between nature and men should be established for healthy ecology. Plants and Animals should be the object for kindness andbenevolence, because they never demand for theirgoodness.
This paper is an attempt to redefine the basic ethical concept