Without and Within: Science and the Middle Path

Abstract

I have no formal training in ethics, philosophy of Buddhism,
nor is he from a country with a substantial Buddhist tradition. I was
first exposed to Buddhist teachings almost 40 years ago, then trained
in medicine and public health, environmental science and what
has recently been termed “sustainability science”. Indeed, since
that first encounter with Buddhist teachings in January 1971, my
life course has been substantially motivated and influenced by my
understanding and experience of the dhamma, especially of metta
and bodhicitta, the wish that all beings can be free from fear and
pain, as far as possible. These are my qualifications for writing
an essay that links Buddhism, science and the environmental crisis.
I am delighted to have this opportunity.