Early Buddhist texts and sustainability
View(s):Dhammic Diplomacy for a Sustainable World – a lecture by Don de Silva will be delivered on March 15 at the Maitriya Hall, Mettarama, Lauries Road Colombo 4. Organised by Servants of the Buddha, the presentation is based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and what the early Buddhist texts (Tripitaka) say about sustainability.
Drawing from the wisdom of the Buddha, the presentation will briefly highlight a few concepts which illustrate the interconnectedness of all life, and warnings of environmental and social degradation when ethical governance fails. The speaker offers evidence in the early Buddhist texts for integrating Buddhist wisdom into contemporary ecological and governance frameworks.
The presentation describes the role played by U Thant, third UN Secretary General in establishing the present environmental movement. It will include short references to Dhammic governance and Emperor Asoka; and the unique role of women Dhamma leaders in spreading the Buddha Dhamma in Asia and on fostering unity.
It also connects Buddhist teachings to specific examples on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly recycling; reduced inequalities and gender equality.
Don de Silva is a former Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and of the International Institute of Environment and Development.
A researcher and author with a keen interest on environment, empowerment through Buddhist teachings, Mr de Silva is a counsellor in several universities in the UK where he now lives.
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