Class reflection( environmental sociology)

 In class, I learned that environmental criminology is not just about pollution or illegal logging—it’s also about power, justice, and who gets harmed the most. From an Indigenous perspective, it reveals how colonial systems continue to harm Indigenous lands, cultures, and people. ⚖️ Disproportionate Impact One key point teachers made is that Indigenous communities suffer the most from environmental harm, even though they contribute the least to it. For example, mining or dam projects often happen on Indigenous lands without consent, damaging ecosystems and displacing people. This shows the unequal burden placed on Indigenous populations, which is both unfair and unjust. 📜 Traditional Laws and Justice We also discussed how Indigenous communities have their own traditional environmental laws, passed down through generations. These laws teach respect for nature and guide how land and resources should be used. However, modern legal systems often ignore or dismiss these Indigenous law...

 From what I’ve learned in class, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are deeply rooted in holistic wisdom—they view nature, humans, animals, and spirits as all connected. This means harming one part of nature affects the whole system. Unlike modern systems that often separate people from nature, Indigenous knowledge is based on balance, respect, and sustainability. Indigenous people have deep spiritual and cultural ties to the land. For them, the land is not something to own or exploit, but a living relative. So when forests are cut or rivers polluted, it’s not just environmental harm—it’s a moral and cultural loss. Yet, these communities are often the most at risk. They face land theft, pollution, and exclusion from decisions about their own environment. Environmental criminology helps us see this as not just ecological damage, but a justice issue—asking who is harming, who suffers, and why. We also learned that Indigenous peoples are guardians of biodiversity. Their traditional w...

 Interdependent origination is a Buddhist idea that means everything is connected and depends on causes and conditions to exist. Nothing stands alone. The Reimagining spaces, species and socities in the Himalayas uses this idea to show how people, animals, plants, culture, and the environment in the Himalayas are deeply connected. In Himalayan societies:  • Cultural beliefs, like seeing certain forests or animals as sacred, help protect the environment.  • Farming and herding practices depend on nature (like seasons or weather), but also affect how the land is used and cared for.  • Local knowledge and religious practices help communities manage forests, water, and animals sustainably. When one thing changes—like a glacier melting, a road being built, or wildlife moving—it affects everything else. For example:  • A new road might bring tourists, which changes local traditions and impacts wildlife.  • A sacred forest protects both the environment and communi...

Write a short reflection on Buddhist way of environmentally sustainable practice.  The Buddhist approach to environmental sustainability is rooted in interdependence, mindfulness, and compassion. It teaches that all life is connected, and harming the Earth is ultimately harming ourselves. Through the practice of non-harming and contentment, Buddhism encourages a lifestyle that respects nature’s limits and values simplicity over consumption. Modern Buddhists extend their compassion not only to humans but to animals, plants, rivers, and ecosystems, recognizing them as sentient or sacred in their own way. Mindful living—through careful use of resources, reduced waste, and ethical choices—becomes an expression of spiritual practice. Rather than seeing the environment as a resource to be used, Buddhism sees it as a partner in the path to awakening. In this way, environmental care is not separate from spiritual life—it is central to it. This holistic vision offers a powerful, gentle, and...

 Buddhism and Climate change: A Compassion Response 1. Renewed Focus on the Environment:  Modern Buddhist teachings are re-emphasizing care for the earth. Many Buddhists leader now speak directly about the climate crisis as a normal and spiritual. 2. Compassion Expanded Traditional Buddhist compassion (karuna) is no longer limited to people—it is now extended to animals, plants, and entire ecosystems. All life is interconnected, so harming the planet means harming ourselves.   3. Collective Action, Not Just Individual Practice Buddhists are moving beyond meditation alone. Many communities are joining climate movements, supporting sustainability, and calling for ethical living that reduces harm to nature.   4. Inspired by Buddhist Cosmology Buddhist views of the universe—where everything arises through interdependence—support ideas of climate justice and planetary health. The Earth is not separate from us; it’s part of our shared being. In short, Buddhism’s response t...

🧘‍♀️ Traditional Practice & Simplicity  • Simple living is a core part of traditional Buddhist practice.  • Monks and many followers live with few possessions, using only what is necessary.  • This lifestyle is naturally environmentally friendly, producing less waste and using fewer resources 🧡 Ethical Focus  • Buddhist ethics are based on compassion (karuṇā) and non-harming (ahiṃsā).  • People are encouraged to make choices that reduce suffering for all beings.  • Example: choosing food or activities that do not harm animals. 🥦 Practice Gaps  • Buddhism promotes vegetarianism and practices like animal release (freeing captive animals).  • But in real life, not all traditions follow this consistently.  • Some still use animals or damage environments in rituals or local customs.  • This shows a gap between ideals and actual practice 🌍 Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered View)  • Traditional teachings often focus on sentient bein...