불교의 사회적 실천: 에코다르마(Ecodharma)의 방향성

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to find the meaning of how Buddha's thoughts and teachings can be connected with the current ecological problem, and to suggest social action plans. In this regard, ‘Ecodharma’, which is recently developed in the Buddhist tradition, is a new term that combines ecological interest(eco) and spiritual tradition(dharma) related to Buddhist teachings. This is consistent with the arguments of several scholars as placing importance on social participation Buddhism. This paper examines the first of the five precepts of Buddhism, which is non-killing, focusing on the problem of food arising from human greed and the relation between humans and animals. It can be confirmed in today's reality that the relationship between humans and animals described in the Buddhist scriptures is inextricably linked. Based on this, concretely, it emphasized social practical activities such as boycott of products made from animal skins or furs, and awareness of companion animals. Regarding food, as revealed in the early scriptures, it is suggested to reduce the amount of food and reduce greed as a practical exercise because everything is created by over-possession and greed. In addition, it is emphasized that a large-scale campaign to reduce meat consumption in relation to animal rights is implemented at the temple, and that ecological Buddhists should actually practice it. In this regard, Buddhism needs to build a more active and organized way to solve the problem of social practice at the level of religious organizations. This paper is meaningful in that it seeks to find the interface between the academic realm and social practice by applying and interpreting Buddhist thoughts and teachings to modern life, and presents concrete alternatives to practice them.