The Doctrine of Dependent Origination as Basis for a Paradigm of Human-Nature Relationship of Responsibility and Accountability

Journal of Graduate Studies Review of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Vol.11, No.1, January-April 2015, pp. 123-144

22 Pages Posted: 26 Oct 2017

See all articles by Anthony Le Duc

Anthony Le Duc

Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication (St John's University, Thailand)

Date Written: March 15, 2015

Abstract

The doctrine of paṭiccasamuppāda or Dependent Origination is one of the most important teachings of Buddhism and serves as a source of inspiration for reflections on all kinds of issues including social, political, and spiritual. In this paper, the doctrine of Dependent Origination is examined as a resource for conceiving of a relationship between human beings and nature as one characterized by responsibility. This is done by reflecting upon the abstract form of the teaching as a law of universal causality that contains an environmental import. The environmental significance of this teaching appears when we realize that human thoughts and actions can lead certain things to arise in nature that may be either positive or negative. Based on these reflections, a paradigm of human-nature relationship of responsibility is proposed. In addition, the Buddhist virtues of moderation and contentment are presented as essential ways to nourish such a relationship.

Keywords: Dependent Origination, Theravada Buddhism, environmental spirituality

Suggested Citation

Le Duc, Anthony, The Doctrine of Dependent Origination as Basis for a Paradigm of Human-Nature Relationship of Responsibility and Accountability (March 15, 2015). Journal of Graduate Studies Review of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Vol.11, No.1, January-April 2015, pp. 123-144, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3057484

Anthony Le Duc (Contact Author)

Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication (St John's University, Thailand) ( email )

Bangkok
Thailand

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