A Theory and Practice of Engaged Buddhism as an Alternative to the Human Crises in the 21st Century

초록

Humanity is now facing several crises. Core among them is the climate and environmental crisis,the maximization of inequality, and the increase in violence and terrorism. The degree has crossedthe critical point. Unless we transform now, human society will fall into a dystopia. Therefore,the author fnds the alternative wisdom in Buddhism but fuses it with Western science. We needto interpret Buddhism new according to the context of the 21st century. If we overcome the climate crisis, it is necessary to establish the Buddhist ecology of Bul-il-bul-i(neither-one-nor-two)and to switch to living in an economy of contentment with less gain. If we build a more egalitarian and just society, it is necessary to shift from the economics of plunder to the economicsof mercy(karuna). And we should establish Hwajaeng Buddhist communities in various places.Ignorance, madness, the banality of evil, and obedience to authority are only the surface causesof genocide. The root cause of this is identity. If Hitler had asked Eichmann to slaughter Germanright-wing middle-class citizens, he would not have obeyed with sheer thoughtlessness. Therefore, the alternative is to change the paradigm to Nunbucheo(Buddha-in-your-pupil)-differenceas interdependent-becoming that completely deconstructs identity and practices it with empathyand compassion for the pain of others. Above all, we must now exercise our ‘compassionateanger’ against the powers that force suffering, violence, exploitation, discrimination, inequality, and death on the weak and the living. The state must also transform into a compassionate eco-welfare state, where compassion for the weak rather than money and power drives almostall policies and actions.