Tradition Practice: Tensions and Critiques

🧘‍♀️ 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 beings (humans, animals, etc.).

 • Ecosystems and non-sentient things (like forests, rivers) may be less emphasized.

 • This can lead to less protection for nature, even though everything is interconnected.