he Buddhist view of reality regards living beings as precious and interconnected through dependent origination. While being born as a human is seen as offering unique opportunities to learn and practice dharma, humans are not viewed as superior or more valuable than animals or other beings. These beliefs form a foundation for respecting, honoring, and protecting the natural world.

Anthropocentric views that place people at the top of a hierarchy often perceive the natural world primarily as a resource to be exploited, rather than as a living collective from which we are all born and for which we are mutually responsible. This separation of humans from nature has contributed significantly to the ecological crisis.

Buddhist principles of interdependence, compassion for all sentient beings, and non-harm (ahimsa) provide a foundation for environmental ethics. Exploring how Buddhist teachings align with indigenous wisdom and contemporary environmental movements can deepen our understanding of ecological responsibility as dharma practice.

Our interconnectedness with the natural world creates both dependence and responsibility. Buddhist principles of compassion and interdependence extend to environmental stewardship, making ecological care a form of dharma practice that honors the sacredness of all life.

Compare the ways that Buddhism, deep ecology, and indigenous views relate to what is sacred.

• What motivation do we have to protect our planet?
• How do our beliefs about the natural world and humankind change our relationship with it?

Compare and contrast Buddhist, indigenous, and Western perspectives on environmental responsibility; analyze how Buddhist principles of interdependence and compassion inform ecological ethics; and implement environmental practices that demonstrate Buddhist values of non-harm and care for all sentient beings.