A BUDDHIST SCHOLAR IMPARTS BUDDHIST WISDOM ON CONSERVATION & A RANGE OF ISSUES
Dr. Karma Phuntsho, a former monk, is a Bhutanese scholar who specializes in Bhutan, Buddhism, Tibetan and Himalayan studies. He has a D.Phil. in Oriental Studies from Oxford University. He has also worked as a research fellow at Cambridge University and CNRS, Paris. His book “The History of Bhutan” has been touted as the first book to offer a comprehensive history of the kingdom. It received the Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award in 2015. Below are excerpts of an interview given to a local media outlet
q) Buddhists believe in various realms of gods, humans, animals and spirits. Does being born as an animal mean it is because of one’s past karma?
Buddhists believe in a wide range of living beings including visible ones such as humans, animals, fishes, insects, birds and also many invisible ones such as gods, demons and spirits. In a common Buddhist classification, there are six realms of beings with many sub-categories within each realm. These beings are considered to be all results of their own karma. Thus, an animal is born as an animal due to its actions in the previous lifetimes.
q) As human beings, are we superior to animals? Does this also give us the right to mistreat animals?
There is no concept of superiority unlike attitude promoted by the anthropocentric worldview but some beings are more fortunate and happier than others. Human birth is considered precious and special because it allows for the pursuit of higher purpose and meaning. All beings have their own strengths and weaknesses but no beings have the right to mistreat others. Mistreatment is bad karma and must be eschewed.
q) How does Buddhism view biodiversity in general?
Biodiversity is a result of the complexity of life and karmic causes. From the Buddhist point of view, biodiversity is an expression of the inconceivable nature of life and karmic causes, which only an enlightened being can fully understand.
Life is interdependent and different life forms contribute in different ways to sustain the earth. From a Buddhist point of view, biodiversity is the rich and astoundingly diverse expression of the one nature that we are all made of.
q) Human-wildlife conflict is a growing concern in Bhutan. What does Buddhism say about Human-Wildlife Coexistence?
All sentient beings, animals and human beings must coexist. Thus, any policy that favors one or the other will have consequences. It is important to formulate policies and adopt practices that maintain the ecological balance. Given the interconnectedness of life, practices that benefit the sustainability of both animals and human wellbeing will be the best option.
q) To conserve the golden mahseers in our rivers and to enhance livelihood opportunities for the locals, Bhutan is promoting recreational high-end fly-fishing (catch and release). What is your take on that?
Fishing for food or fun is absolutely unacceptable in Buddhism. There is no justification for taking the life of another being, except in rare cases of self-defense or survival. Even fly-fishing is totally wrong. People who think fly-fishing is right must try piercing their lips and being dragged. It is totally contradictory to the culture of compassion, empathy and respect for life. It is inhuman and from a Buddhist point of view, such people will go through a similar pain manifold in future lifetimes.
q) If we dedicate our actions, thoughts and words towards conserving biodiversity, do we gain some good merit in this life?
Dedication and prayers do bring some merit but it is not enough. For substantive merit, real action is required. Thus, compassion must be expressed through the action of respecting life, saving biodiversity and protecting our environment.
q) As a Buddhist scholar, what advice would you impart to our readers on biodiversity conservation
Our planet is our only home. It is fragile as it is beautiful, and its survival depends on the state of the environment and life forms which constitute it. An imbalance in our ecology and life forms can destabilize this delicate planet we call home and bring an end to life and civilization as we know it.