ABSTRACT
Retaining the rough and qualified division of Buddhist virtues into self- and other-regarding ones, this chapter examines how such virtues as humility and compassion require certain attitudes and practices towards the natural environment. It discusses certain conclusions that can be drawn about that approach, in advance of the detailed enquiry into Buddhist environmentalism. The chapter argues that there is indeed a version of holism to be found in Buddhism that both goes beyond the doctrine of conditioned arising, and is not without moral import for the environment. It attributes to Buddhism a virtue-based environmental ethic and identify the environmental virtues as special cases, or applications, of the Buddhist virtues discussed in. Three 'self-regarding' virtues, or clusters of virtues, are identified humility, self-mastery and equanimity are highlighted. The virtues of solicitude, non-violence and 'responsibleness' are also discussed. The intimate connection between the Buddhist ideal and environmental concern is evident in the lives of the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh and Buddhadasa.
