THE CRITIQUE OF THE PROBLEMS OF BUDDHISM IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Abstract

The objective of this article is to criticize Buddhist environmental conservation issues. In the analysis, core environmental conservation concepts are combined with a frame of conservationist perspective. Composed of: The first premise is that nature and what is contained within it have their own value, regardless of human needs or the existence of humankind. The second point is that nature's diversity has its own intrinsic worth that should be preserved. The third point is that everything in nature has a holistic nature, which leads to a realization of three difficulties: 1. Buddhism values humankind above all other kinds in nature; 2. Even humans accept the value of animals, but each species' ethical value is given unequally; and 3. Plants and non-living things in nature lack spirit, so they have no value in themselves and exist outside the ethical framework of Buddhism. Though there are moral practices regarding it, it is only a basis for preventing any problems that may arise to other living beings. Furthermore, it is merely the practice or rules for monks and nuns, not Upasaka and Upasika.