Summary of "Buddhism and Ecology: Collective Cultural Perceptions" by Lewis Lancaster

Summary of "Buddhism and Ecology: Collective Cultural Perceptions" by Lewis Lancaster

By Nivitigala Sumitta (Bhante Sumitta)

In his article "Buddhism and Ecology: Collective Cultural Perceptions," Lewis Lancaster explores the unique contribution Buddhism can offer to the discourse on environmentalism, emphasizing the need to avoid imposing Western cultural perceptions onto Buddhist practices. Lancaster highlights the risks of interpreting Buddhism through a Western lens which could distort its genuine ecological insights. He discusses how Buddhist teachings on interconnectivity and compassion offer a perspective distinct from Western notions of charity, which often carry a patronizing tone towards recipients.

Lancaster uses the example of Taiwanese nun Jen-yen to illustrate a Buddhist approach to charity that avoids the pitfalls of Western methods, emphasizing universal service without discrimination or condescension. He further explores historical and cultural variations in Buddhist perceptions of nature, contrasting the Indian view of the forest as a place of danger with the Chinese view of nature as a source of spiritual renewal. This adaptability of Buddhism, according to Lancaster, showcases its potential to address ecological issues from various cultural standpoints.

The article concludes by advocating for a modern form of Buddhist asceticism that addresses contemporary ecological challenges such as overconsumption and population growth. Lancaster calls for a reevaluation of Western biases and assumptions about nature and charity within ecological discussions, suggesting that Buddhist principles could inspire more effective and culturally sensitive environmental actions.

Lancaster's work provides a critical reminder of the importance of cultural and historical context in the application of religious principles to environmental issues. His discussion on the adaptability of Buddhism across different ecological and cultural landscapes offers valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners in the fields of environmental ethics and religious studies.

Reference:

Lancaster, Lewis. "Buddhism and Ecology: Collective Cultural Perceptions." In Buddhism and Ecology, edited by Mary Evelyn Tucker and Duncan Ryuken Williams, Harvard University Press, 1997. This article provides an in-depth exploration of how Buddhism can contribute to ecological discourse and stresses the need for cultural sensitivity in applying Buddhist teachings to environmental issues.