인구문제의 불교생태학적 고찰

Abstract

Developing countries are now striving to curb the increasing population growth despite their birth control policy while some of the developed countries are bent on their policies to prevent the decrease of population due to the decline of birth rate. The seriousness of ecological problem has been worsened not only among the developing countries but also the developed countries regardless of the population increase or decrease. The aggravation of ecological problem comes from both the increase of the population and our consumption-oriented life pattern. The ecological problem comes from the population and life style of over-consumption because the depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution are decided by the whole resources or energy consumption. So these two issues of over-population and overconsumption are not only the very start of the ecological problem but also the solution of the present ecological crisis. In this respect, first of all, the ever-increasing population should be reasonably controlled. In addition to that, we have to stop the present the consumption-oriented life pattern and do our best to lead a harmonious life with nature. Accordingly, the ecological way of thought that all sentient beings are interdependent in terms of the Buddhist 'dependent co-arising theory (緣起論)‘ is very important to the solution of the environmental problem. If we think that we can increase the supporting power by mere increase of grain production, it can be said that we make little of the ecological problem derived from the over-population. Because the environmental problem and the exhaustion of natural resources are byproducts of human activities. It is also a mere extension of the ecological problem if we satisfy our desire for over-consumption through the decrease of population. Because the aggravation of the ecological problem is proportion to the total consumption of man. Henceforth, it is the most wisest and advisable way that we solve the current ecological crisis by limiting our desire for overconsumption, not by scientism which solves all problem scientifically. Up until now, science has solved the ecological problems, However, on the other hand, it has also raised the unexpected ecological problems. The only way to save the Earth from the current ecological crisis is to give up our egoism that seeks individual desires such as over-consumption. That is not only a solution to solve the population problem but also a starting point of compassion to share the sufferings of other sentient beings together.