ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a specific aspect of environmentalism–animal ethics. The Buddhist concepts of karma, rebirth, non-violence and universal kindness seem more conducive to framing an animal ethics specific to this religion. But the interpretation of Buddhism as eco-friendly and as amenable to modern animal ethics is guided by the concern among Buddhist religious leaders regarding the relevance of Buddhism in the contemporary world. Invoking environmental issues enables monks to build legitimacy for the monastic system among local communities and contribute to Buddhism's global recognition. This study argues that the practical implications of reinvention are a more complicated story. Growing practices of vegetarianism and animal release rituals among different Buddhist communities in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Bhutan speak to the idea of Buddhism being an ecological religion. But these practices may not always be sustainable for local livelihoods and food consumption, and they expose the larger regional and national dynamics of identity politics and Buddhist nationalism.
