Buddhist approach to responsible consumption and sustainable development PDF Download

Author: Thich Duc Thien
Publisher: VIETNAM BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
ISBN: 6048979304
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 621

View

Book Description
EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND This is a great academic solace to see the Volume on Buddhist Approach to Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Development which covers Sub-Theme Five of UNDV 2019 Academic Conference. REVIEW OF CONTENTS The World of Today is suffering from the crisis of consumerism. The first paper on a Buddhist Perspective on Overconsumption and Its Negative Effects towards Society and Environment deals with it specifically in the reference of consumption beyond requirements which is generally termed as overconsumption. Such human tendency leads to negative impact on the entire force of nature and the environment. How the Buddhist principles guide us to live a better life where there is least effect on the environment and society is well explained in this paper. The second paper in this volume, entitled Attaining a Sustainable Society through the Teachings of the Khandhaka of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka is a vivid example of the benefits which one can derive from our ancient Pali literature. While studying the Theravada Vinaya Pitaka, the author explores the specific words of the Buddha in the Khandhaka which hint at the possibility of sustainability and development going together without harming other societal components. Though the Vinaya being a Pitaka for monastics, it still is highly useful for the laity as well. The paper, Buddhist Ethics in the Establishments of Green Tourism is a unique academic contribution. Here, the writer states that the Buddha’s life and principles make us learn a lot as how green methods must be applied in our day-to-day life. The damage being caused by the genre called DEVELOPMENT needs to be controlled and for this, the words of Master exhibits his proximity to protect nature, humanity and the world order.

Author: Thich Nhat Tu
Publisher: Religious Publishing House
ISBN: 6046162564
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 725

View

Book Description
FOREWORD In 1999, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the resolution to recognize the Vesak Day as an International Day of Recognition of Buddhists and the contribution of the Buddha to the world. Since then, the people and the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, in general, and Mahachulalongkornraja- vidyalaya University, in particular, were very honored to have successively and successfully held for twelve years the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations in Thailand. From 2004 to date, we have come a long way in the celebrations, and we are happy to be the host and organizer, but it is time for the celebrations to grow and evolve. The United Nations Day of Vesak is coming to maturity, with twelve celebrations under our belt, much experience gained, and it is time now to share this with others. There will always be room for growth and development, and we are elated to see it grow. In 2006-2007, having joined the International Organizing Committee for the UN Day of Vesak as Deputy Secretary General, Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu has played a crucial role in building strong relationships between the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the International Council for Day of Vesak in particular and the Global Buddhist communities in general. We have supported and congratulated Vietnam on organizing successful UNDV celebrations and conference in 2008 and 2014, respectively. We have full trust in Vietnam being the host of UNDV 2019 for the third time. We like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of previous celebrations and wish all future celebrations be successful. The teachings of the Buddha see no boundaries; the minds of all are alike; the sufferings of all are similar and truly; and the liberation of all is the same. We are happy to initiate the process, develop the scope, and now it is time for others to follow in similar footsteps, evolve the celebrations into a truly international event that can be shared with Buddhists and Non-Buddhists alike. Let the Dhamma of the Buddha be the beacon to the world, shredding away the ignorance within our hearts, bringing development into sustainable capacity for humanity and more importantly, peace and harmony to the world. Most Ven.Prof. Brahmapundit President, International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV) President, International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) ----------------------------------- PREFACE The history of mankind records how the Buddha got enlightenment and showed a path which not only leads but also guides the world till date. That is solely to emanate wisdom and offer insights which help us overcome numerous challenges and achieve the welfare of humanity. Recognizing his pragmatic approach, values and contribution of Buddhism, the United Nations in a resolution in 1999 decided to celebrate the Triply Blessed Day of Vesak (Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away of Gautama), falling mostly in a lunar calendar in the month of May. The first celebrations were held way back in the year 2000 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and subsequently the day has been celebrated hugely in different countries. Today our planet is confronted with a number of crises and unprecedented natural disasters. The imminent threat of terrorism and ethnic violence, tackling poverty, providing education and sustainable development leads us to strive for social justice. There is an urgent need for concerted and constant planning and right effort at an international level to foster permanent peace in the societies and in the lives of individuals. Against the backdrop of such widespread misery and strife leading to complex issues and crises, Buddhism with its rich heritage of tolerance and non-violence can contribute immensely and inspire us with His message of loving-kindness, peace and harmony in today’s world. The United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) 2019 is a testimony to this fact. Vietnam got the chance and responsibility of hosting this international Buddhist event UNDV in 2008 and 2014 respectively. The event proved an amazing spectacle of religious and spiritual festivity, with thousands of Buddhists from around the world converging in Vietnam, to spread the Buddha’s message of peace, love and harmony. This is the third time that Vietnam is hosting this important international event which is viewed by Buddhists as an opportunity to spread the Buddha’s message and values of love, peace, non- violence, tolerance and compassion across the world. It is a great honor for Vietnam, the Vietnamese people, the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Buddhists all around the world to participate in the UNDV celebrations and spread the rich Buddhist heritage, especially its teachings of equality, social justice, respect and understanding for the benefit of all humanity. World Buddhists and particularly the Vietnamese people are excited about their country hosting this auspicious and important event for the third time. This international religious, cultural and academic event would also certainly promote interaction and exchange of Buddhist cultural and intellectual values among diverse countries. The International Buddhist conference with the main theme of “Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies” during the celebrations could not have been more relevant and timely. The present book is the outcome of one workshop representing one perspective of the conference. Other perspectives of the conference include: (i) Mindful Leadership for Sustainable Peace, (ii) Buddhist Approach to Harmonious Families, Healthcare and Sustainable Societies, (iii) Buddhist Approach to Global Education in Ethics, (iv) Buddhism and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and (v) Buddhist Approach to Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Development. This international conference aims to foster co-operation among Buddhist communities and institutions, and to develop Buddhist solutions to the global crisis. Papers selected for this volume are those that combine thematic relevance, familiarity with the main theme or sub-themes, significant research in primary resources, innovative theoretical perspectives, clarity of organization and accessible prose style. Acceptable articles in this volume are determined by the Academic Peer-Review Committee. UNDV 2019 certainly is an opportunity for the world Buddhists, the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and all the members of the international community to benefit from the rich traditions, values and spiritual ideals of Buddhism. The pragmatic path shown by Buddha can make the world a better, safer, more peaceful and harmonious place to be cherished and enjoyed by all sentient beings. On behalf of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and myself, I would like to warmly welcome President of Myanmar, H.E. Mr. U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Nepal, Right Hon. Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, Vice President of India, H.E Mr. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Chairperson of the National Council of Bhutan, H.E. Mr. Tashi Dorji, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations/ Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific, H.E. Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Director-General of UNESCO, H.E. Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Ambassadors, and many other dignitaries. It is my honor to warmly welcome National Assembly Chairwoman H.E. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Prime Minister of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee H.E.Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister H.E.Mr. Truong Hoa Binh, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of External Affairs H.E.Mr. Pham Binh Minh, other dignitaries including former Political leaders of the Government of Vietnam. I extend my warmest welcome to all respected Sangharajas, Sangha Leaders, Buddhist Leaders, Sangha members and 1600 Buddhist Scholars and practitioners from 115 countries and territories, participating in this international celebration and conference. Let me thank all of you for your contributions to this celebration and Conference. My heartfelt thanks are extended to respected members of the Supreme Patriarch Council and Executive members of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, especially 25 sub-committees for UNDV 2019 in Vietnam for their devotion and contribution. I take this opportunity to express here my profound gratitude to Most Ven. Prof. Brahmapundit for his continuous supporting Vietnam to host this international event. I also thank profusely all members of the International Council for Day of Vesak (ICDV), Conference Committee and Editorial Board for their devotion. I am grateful to Mr. Xuan Truong for his generosity and other donors, sponsors, volunteers and agencies from the public sector and the private sector for their excellent contribution. This publication and other 29 books printed for Vesak could not have been possible without the persistence, hard work, and dedication of Editorial Committee for their devotion including Most Ven.Dr. Thich Duc Thien, Prof. Le Manh That, and especially Most Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu serving as the international conference coordinator. I extend my warmest and best wishes to all the delegates and participating countries on this special occasion which strengthens our resolve to improve the world by walking on the path shown by the Lord Buddha. Whatever merit there is in publishing this book may be transferred over to the welfare and happiness of all sentient beings. May all sentient beings be happy and released from suffering. We wish the celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 in Vietnam every success. Most Ven. Thich Thien Nhon President of National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Chairman of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 in Vietnam

Author: Umar Burki
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000421503
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 393

View

Book Description
This book addresses current practices related to sustainable development, its challenges and the future. People belonging to different genders regardless of their age, social class and education should be equal as citizens and individuals, and identical in their rights and responsibilities. The business sector, authorities, societies and religious circles have the potential to play a fundamental role in curbing social ills and the degradation of the environment in this modern world. The authors of this book argue that without good governance, the status of a human being is unlikely to improve. They make the case that to achieve sustainability, government, society and the economy must ensure a platform for people to participate in decision-making and benefit from the rights they are accorded. By covering a range of perspectives across economic, social and moral life, the book will shed light on the problems and possible solutions to sustainable development and the triple bottom line, of people, planet and profit, under the umbrella of morals and divine law. This will be a useful guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students across multiple disciplines, such as economics, religious studies, business studies, political science, anthropology and sociology.

Author: Thich Duc Thien
Publisher: VIETNAM BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
ISBN: 6048979274
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 849

View

Book Description
EDITORS' INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND There have been major changes in world today and that the term Global Leadership and Sustainable Development is no longer taken for granted as a point of reference for understanding the contemporary chaotic situation. These disruptive changes mean that it is now arguable as to whether we still live in a world of justice, egality, peace and prosperity. The nature of these changes and the concepts of the Buddhist approach are central to the whole project of this book. In this light, we place great emphasis on understanding Buddhist teaching in dealing with this matter. We argue that any investigation of the changing character and context of the present time, needs to take account of the Buddhist philosophy. We focus on providing a thorough and critical understanding of change taking place as a starting point of discussion. In doing so, we attempt to clarify the nature of the Buddhist approach. It may be more productively understood as the result of a complex contested and fragile set of arrangements, which in this book we term as “approach”. We do not imply that the frameworks based on the Buddhist teachings are fully fixed and agreed by everybody. Rather it would refer to a set of arrangements that need to be further discussed. Given the above, this volume collects together papers presented at the international workshop on Buddhist Approach to Harmonious Families, Healthcare and Sustainable Societies which took place on 13 May 2019 at International Conference Center Tam Chuc, Ha Nam, Vietnam on the occasion of THE 16TH UNITED NATIONS DAY OF VESAK CELEBRATIONS 2019. The participants in this workshop were not representative of the mainstream thinking or conventional wisdom of this field, although this volume reflects this richness and diversity. Treating the Buddha teachings as a basic theoretical reconstruction, we examine the relationships between the societies and Buddhist responsibilities. We combine analyses of the conflicts, trends and dynamics affecting future development with more focused studies on a range of policy areas: migration, education, leadership, climate change, etc… Two of our most crucial presumptions are that making Buddhism great again at the time of disruption is our first and foremost duty and the Buddhist responsibility can contribute to creating a new foundation for Global Leadership and Sustainable Development.

Author: Thich Duc Thien
Publisher: VIETNAM BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
ISBN: 6048979282
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 765

View

Book Description
EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION This volume is a collection of papers presented at the international workshop on “Buddhist Approach to Global Education in Ethics” which is being held on May 13, 2019, at International Conference Center Tam Chuc, Ha Nam, Vietnam on the occasion of the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2019. The aim is to throw new light on the values of the global ethical system with a focus on the Buddhist approach in deepening our understanding of how Buddhist ethics can deliver a social change in the globalized world. REVIEW OF CONTENTS Prof. P. D. Premasiri in his paper titled “Universally valid ethical norms of Buddhism applicable to global education in ethics” deals with hindrance in determining the basis for global education in ethics and providing undeniable facts about the diversity involved in ethical norms, principles and attitudes of various global communities. The author also discusses the characteristics of Buddhist teaching on a humanistic approach to the moral life with perceptions of enlightened humans, i.e. ‘Knowledgeable Persons’ (vi¤¤å purisà). The paper places further emphasis on the necessity to draw the attention of educators to train the minds of humans on ethical choices in accordance with such decisions. The paper entitled “Teaching Buddhist Ethics through the Life of the Buddha and Jesus” by Abraham Velez De Cea has proposed a new approach to the Buddhist ethical way of teaching and its application through interpretations of the Buddha’s life from the perspective of virtue ethics and meditation. The purpose is to heighten the Buddhist contribution being made to global education in ethical issues. The paper is divided into two parts, Buddhist ethics as a form of virtue ethics and secondly, interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings from the perspective of virtue ethics and meditation.

Author: Thich Duc Thien
Publisher: VIETNAM BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
ISBN: 6048979266
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 583

View

Book Description
EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND We are experiencing an unprecedented period where wide ranging and disruptive major global change is taking place around us. In this context, the theme of Mindful Leadership and Sustainable Development provides a point of reference and pathway for understanding the contemporary chaotic situations. These disruptive changes challenge our understanding and meaning of humanity and truly question whether or not, we are able to live in a society where justice, equality, peace, and prosperity abound. In the Buddhist light, a focus is placed on understanding the Buddhist teachings to develop solutions for dealing with these wide-ranging problems. Both the scope of change and the response from a Buddhist approach are core to the content of this volume. It is of paramount importance that any investigation and development of solutions for the changes taking place, require guidance from the Buddhist philosophy. As a starting point for discussion, an initial focus is placed on providing a thorough and critical understanding of the character and context of change. In doing so, we also seek to clarify and outline the nature of a Buddhist approach. In completing this review, it is productive to see that given the complex issues being dealt with, the papers do generate different frameworks and viewpoints within the broad term of “approach.” The frameworks based on the Buddha´s teachings are not fully fixed and agreed upon by all. Therefore, our term “approach” refers to a set of arrangements and viewpoints that act to inspire further discussion and development. Given the above context, this volume is a collection of conference papers presented and published for the panel on the first sub-theme of UNDV 2019 on Mindful Leadership for Sustainable Peace on 13 May 2019 at the Tam Chuc International Convention Center, Ha Nam, Vietnam. The panel commemorates the occasion of the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations 2019. Through the contributions of participants and their papers at this workshop, this volume provides a diverse and rich range of thinking and wisdom rather than more traditional mainstream thinking or conventional wisdom. Treating the Buddha’s teachings as a basic theoretical reconstruction, we examine the relationships between societies and Buddhism. We combine the analyses of the conflicts, trends and dynamics affecting future global development with focused studies on a range of policy areas for improving societies. In the Buddhist light, our two most crucial aims in this period of disruption are to greatly increase the influence and impact of Buddhism as our foremost duty; and that the Buddhist responsibility contributes to creating a new foundation for Mindful Leadership and Sustainable Development.

Author: Thich Duc Thien
Publisher: VIETNAM BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
ISBN: 6048979290
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 300

View

Book Description
EDITORS’ INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND Currently, we are living in the fourth industrial revolution by which computers, automation, robots and people will work together in entirely new ways. Applying technological innovations will help the production process faster, less manpower and more fully collected data. Product quality is ensured by controlling raw materials to forming and transferring to consumers. However, it may have raised many issues for humans. One of its drawbacks is many workers will lose their jobs due to replacement machinery, while businesses may face difficulties in recruiting human resources to meet the requirements of the job. This can lead to inequality, even to break the labor market. Economic uncertainties will lead to instability in life and even politics. In addition, new technology will cause changes in power, security concerns, and a big gap between rich and poor or the way of communication through the Internet which challenges information security for both people and political systems. These problems have urged the world to find the right solutions urgently to attain sustainable development which is favor of the Buddhist philosophy. In this theme, we highly focus on the Buddhist approach and response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution to generate happiness and peace for humankind.

Author: David W. Kim
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 303056522X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 408

View

Book Description
This book offers global perspectives from Mediterranean, Asian, Australian, and American cultures on sacred sites and their related stories in regional history. Contemporary society witnesses many travelers visiting sacred sites (temples, mountains, castles, churches, houses) throughout the world. These visits often involve discovery of new historical facts through the origin stories of the associated tribe, region, or nation. The transmission of oral tradition and myth carries on the significant meaning of those religious sites. This volume unveils multi-angle perspectives of symbolic and mystical places. The contributors describe the religio-political experiences of each regional case, and analyze the religiosity of local people as a lens through which readers can re-examine the concept of iconography, syncretism, and materialism. In addition, contributors interpret the growth of new religions as the alternative perspectives of anti-traditional religions. This new approach offers significant insight into comprehending the practical agony and sorrow of regional people in the context of contemporary history.

Author: Andrew Müller
Publisher: Galda Verlag
ISBN: 3962032045
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 224

View

Book Description
Are insects the food of the future, alleviating world hunger and ecological issues? In this book, based on extensive field research in Laos and Thailand, the author suggests otherwise. He describes local transformations in ‘entomophagy’ and explores differences between South East Asian and Western food cultures before presenting a deconstruction of the widespread ‘insect solution narrative’. Empirical observations are discussed mainly in the light of the World-Ecology approach, seeing the exploitation of humans and nature as inextricably intertwined. The main argument targets the commodification of edible insects and related resources, denoted by the central concept of the ‘entomophagy frontier’. Unfolded along the lines of the distinction between wild-collected and farmed insects, it holds that the emerging entomophagy industry tends to reinforce the problems it addresses by ignoring their structural causes: social inequality, systemic unsustainability and ultimately the insatiability of capitalism.

Author: Ernest Small
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000953211
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1254

View

Book Description
Some animals and plants injure or kill millions of people annually, others cause trillions of dollars in property damage and loss. Such harmful species are understandably hated. However, the vast majority of the planet’s millions of species are disliked simply because of how they look and act. This bias is endangering numerous species that play important roles in maintaining both the natural ecosystems and the human economies of the world. In Defense of the World’s Most Despised Species examines the psychological motivations that lead people to make judgments about the attractiveness of species, noting the overwhelming importance of visual cues. It describes in considerable detail the physical and behavioral traits of species that lead us to love or hate them. Full color illustrations throughout present beautiful, charming animals and plants, species that seem loathsome, behavior of people in relation to such divergent species and their characteristics, and numerous explanatory diagrams of relevant biological and psychological phenomena. The aim of this book is to give readers insights into how we humans arrive at biased judgments and to promote the welfare of valuable, albeit sometimes unlovable animals and plants that consequently suffer from discrimination. Many of the ugliest, most disgusting, and feared species, such as vultures, toads, hyenas, sharks, spiders, and even the vast majority of cockroaches, in reality are some of our most valuable friends. Features Theme of the book – human preferences for and against species – is novel, scarcely examined to date. Multidisciplinary analysis, especially psychology, biological conservation science, and ecology, as well as philosophy, agriculture, urban planning, human health, and law. Text is accessible, user-friendly, concise, and well-organized, making numerous complex topics comprehensible, readable not only by specialists, but also by students and the educated layperson. Includes over 2,000 high-quality, entertaining, and informative color figures.