View of Ecology

Yutang Lin

All things are connected in the chain of ecology,
With utmost differences yet of equal importance.
Transforming and floating along tides of seasons,
Death and life counterbalance to keep continuity.

Comments:

Careful studies on ecology as conducted by scientists reveal that all things are connected in a complicated chain of ecology, and they influence one another, counterbalance all together to sustain the current scene of co-existence. Even though individual elements are so diverse in characteristics, each one is of equal importance to the balance and continuity of the whole ecology on Earth. Each stage in the formation, duration and decay of each individual element is equally indispensable to the whole process of ecology. Therefore, human lives could not be lived with only human interests and conveniences in mind. Instead, our ways of life should be modified in accordance with the whole process of ecology of the natural environment. Only in this way can we hope to preserve a sound natural environment for the continuation of lives on Earth.

In Buddhist teachings the view of conditional origination of the whole Dharmadhatu maintains the same kind of view of totality as the view of ecology mentioned above. From the Buddhist view all things are causes and conditions for one another, and hence mutually dependent for their transient co-existence. In this way all things form a limitless oneness. In the light of such a broad perspective it becomes evident that self-centered ways are harmful with no benefits. In the Dharmadhatu all things are equally important and indispensable. Such a view is already very close to the Great Perfection view.

Written in Chinese and translated on April 25, 2001
El Cerrito, California

 

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