A Buddhist Perspective by Jan McHarry, FbRN Trustee
Buddhist teachings encourage the development of a greater sense of awareness through compassion, kindness, generosity, and selfless action for the welfare of all beings and the world. Living in harmony with nature is inseparable from living in harmony with each other. From a Buddhist perspective it is our lack of insight into the interconnectedness of life that lies at the root of much suffering today. Actions have consequences. The Buddha taught that there is a natural law of karma, according to which acts based on kindly intentions always have beneficial consequences, whereas acts whose motives are selfish have painful consequences. Faith-based social action is thus a vital means to personal and social transformation.
The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, reminds us “ Today we have access to more information and it is essential that we re-examine ethically what we have inherited, what we are responsible for, and what we will pass on to coming generations. “
