Environmental Buddhism Across Borders

Abstract

This paper begins to build a comparative framework for understanding the intersections and possibilities of Buddhism and the environment across sectarian and national borders. Even as groups like the International Network of Engaged Buddhists are attempting to frame a unified Buddhist position on environmental issues, Buddhists in different places are interpreting and adapting Buddhist teachings in ways specific to and meaningful in each society. Can the efforts of Buddhists to develop and implement an environmental ethic or activism in one location be translated into other Buddhist societies? Through two case studies – of the adaptation of a Buddhist environmental training manual in Theravāda Southeast Asia and the use of pilgrimage walks or Dhammayeitra to promote environmental awareness – this paper will critically examine the process involved in translating Buddhist environmentalism across sectarian, social, political, and economic borders.