Adam Creason - Zen Buddhism and Environmental Ethics

    Simon James’ Zen Buddhism and Environmental Ethics explores Zen Buddhism and its relationship to ecology and environmental ethics. More known than Zen Buddhism to the common American is the deep ecology movement. The central tenets of the deep ecology are roughly that all living things have inherent value, that diversity is necessary to realize these values, the humans have no right to harm this diversity except for vital needs, and that human populations must decrease for this equilibrium to be regained. In this blog, I will discuss the relationship between deep ecology to Zen Buddhism as explored in James’ novel as to help the reader more fully understand Zen Buddhism, as Zen practices what is best for nature and man together.

                Zen has proved popular with deep ecological thinkers. Deep ecology founding figure attribute a great deal of the movement’s foundation to Zen Buddhist principles. Both Zen and deep ecology share a few similar concepts. First, both believe that a commitment to an environmentally right action must come from internal transformation, rather than external pressure. What this essentially means is that humans will not be committed to eco-friendly actions because of external pressures such as moral and ethics. That is because morals and ethics are constructs that act as standards for good behavior. The drive for this action is therefore not intrinsic, but is rather influenced by the external factors. Therefore, internal transformation must take place so that the human will have an intrinsic respect and drive for eco-friendly solutions.

Zen and deep ecology also share the belief that self-realization, or “awakening” through enlightenment as in Zen, is required for a true commitment to eco-friendly action. To do this, one must take a holistic approach to the self. In other words, one must expand the self beyond our own skin as to encompass the environment around us. In doing this, we identify with the interests of other living beings. We are therefore more interconnected and interdependent on each other to survive harmoniously. This self-realization and expansion of the self also helps to restore a habitus that is a ritualized way of dwelling in that particular place. We would then have true connection with the environment through this awakening.

When discussing this, it is no wonder why Zen Buddhism is a core influencer of the deep ecology ideological platform. The core beliefs regarding the environment align well. When I read the section on ethics and morals, I was surprised. I had previously thought that morals and ethics were one of the most influential drivers in actions such as those that are eco-friendly. However, upon reflection of this section, it does make so much sense why these actions must be a commitment from an internal transformation. Intrinsic motivation is such an important aspect of any purposeful life. Regarding the section on self-realization and the expansion of the self, I was intrigued by the concept of widening one’s view of the self beyond their skin. By expanding the self to the environment around them, one is able to more fully understand, connect, and sympathize with those beings. What results is a more beneficial treatment of that environment. When I read these sections, I knew I had to reflect on them in a blog.