The Guideline of Applying the Buddha’s Doctrines for Conservation and Ecosystem Development according to the Tipitaka

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study the ecosystem and ecology in Tipiṭaka, 2) to study the guideline for the conservation and development of the ecosystem according to Tipiṭaka, and 3) to study the guideline for applying Buddhist principles to the development of the ecosystem according to Tipiṭaka. The research results were found as follows;

1. Ecology is the study of the relationship between living organisms and environmental factors, both living and non-living. In Buddhism, the Lord Buddha emphasized the ecosystem seriously because it was the place where monks used to practice meditation and also as a residence. There are three broad categories of ecosystems based on their general environment: land, water, and air.


2. The Buddha had specified the guidelines for the conservation and development of ecosystems according to Tipiṭaka in two ways, namely, the way of permission and the way of prohibition.


3. The development of ecosystems according to Tipiṭaka was based on the principles that are fundamental for self and social development, by bringing the environment of land, water and air that are appropriate and fresh in accordance with the Bhāvanā 4 and Sappāya 7 as a tool to help preserve and develop ecosytems. Buddhist Principles is, therefore, part of the ecosystem, because monks are a leader who helps in the conservation and development of ecosystems from deterioration to become fertility or increased fertility.