THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION CONCEPTS REFLECTING PERSPECTIVES THROUGH JATAKA TALES

Abstract

This academic article on the environmental conservation concepts reflecting perspectives through Jataka tales aims to present the perspectives on the importance and concepts of environmental conservation that appear in the Tripitaka scripture. Environmental conservation appears in many monks' precepts in the Vinaya Pitaka; for example, monks are forbidden to take green things and split their saliva into rivers and canals. However, the concept of environmental conservation also appears in various Jataka tales such as Wannupatta Jataka, Gatasana Jataka, and Sarutapana Jataka, giving importance and reflecting water points of view. If a person lacks water, it will lead to death. Kusanalij Jataka and Mahavanij Jataka give importance to and reflect the views on forest conservation because the lack of forests will lead to disasters such as floods, windstorms, and drought. Aumpha Jataka focuses on and reflects the views related to wildlife conservation. All of these Jataka tales reflect views on environmental conservation through various characters along with inserting the concepts and attitudes of both the negative side: if humans destroy nature, and the positive side: the benefits humans will gain if humans do not destroy the environment. Therefore, if these concepts are incorporated into the teaching and learning contents at the fundamental education level, it is believed that it can help children and young people to realize their awareness and lead to conservation rather than destroying the environment, including cherishing the environment in Thailand.