Eco-Dhamma: Buddhist Philosophies for Environmental Stewardship in Sukabumi, Indonesia

Abstract

Environmental damage is a complicated problem to be resolved in a short time. Environmental pollution in various countries including Indonesia is very alarming. Buddhism as one of the major religions in the world teaches its followers to always maintain, care for and clean the natural environment wholeheartedly. The Buddha has told his disciples the noble words related to ecology. The purpose of this research is to find out how Buddhism views on protecting the environment and its implementation at Vihara Widhi Sakti in Sukabumi City, West Java. This research uses qualitative research method based on data collection through participant observation, interview, and documentation study. The results and discussion of this research can be concluded that ecology in Buddhism, the Buddha often mentioned environmental issues to his students. This ecological issue in Buddhist terms is called Eco-Dhamma and Paticcasamuppada. While the implementation of environmental ecology in Vihara Widhi Sakti is carried out in the activity of cleaning the monastery and reducing waste based on the teachings of Buddhist values. Thus, this research helps illustrate that spirituality, religious values, and ancient teachings such as those found in Buddhism can have a positive impact in addressing the environmental challenges faced by modern society. It provides a basis for further developments in the field of study on the relationship between religion, ethics, and environmental conservation.