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Bhutanese Environmentalism- Mandhog (community ritual) karma and interdependent

 My understanding of the close ties between Bhutanese culture and environmental preservation was greatly enhanced by learning about the Mandhog rite in Dagor. That cultural feelings like fear, faith, and respect (namtog, jignang, and gizhab) were so crucial to preserving nature fascinated me. It was thought that there would be severe repercussions, like as hailstorms or bad luck, if they damaged the environment without following the correct ceremonies. In addition to being superstitious, these ideas were a component of a framework that pushed people to treat the land with respect. It made me realize that cultural and spiritual values can function similarly to unwritten environmental regulations. Hearing that these customs are gradually vanishing, however, also worried me. Many individuals today simply give money to rituals rather than taking part in them with respect and understanding. This development indicates that we are losing a vital means of maintaining our connection t...
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Environmental Criminology-Indigenous perspectives

 I was struck by how environmental harm encompasses justice as well as pollution and deforestation. Although they have the least responsibility for environmental crimes like land grabs and illicit exploitation, indigenous populations frequently bear the brunt of these abuses. It helped me realize that safeguarding people, their culture, and their rights is just as important as preserving the environment. It is incredibly terrible to see indigenous land defenders criminalized for defending their own territory, and it emphasizes the need for more support and adherence to customary rules and customs. Additionally, I discovered that indigenous knowledge is extremely useful and ought to be incorporated into contemporary environmental solutions; it is neither out-of-date nor useless. They provide more sustainable methods of coexisting with environment through their traditional ecological knowledge and community-based monitoring. Real change, in my opinion, requires that we incorpora...
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Interdependence Origination- Reimagining Spaces, Species and societies In The Himalayas

 I became aware of how closely people are related to other creatures and the natural world after learning about multispecies studies from both Buddhist and indigenous viewpoints. I thought it was fascinating that Buddhist beliefs and practices have long recognized multispecies interactions, even though the idea is frequently ascribed as a Western academic concept. The concept of La Dham or Ri-Dham, for instance, where specific regions are off-limits because of the presence of deities or spiritual energy, demonstrates a profound regard for sacred landscapes and non-human life. These prohibitions and limitations are measures to preserve peace between people and the environment, not merely religious precepts. The fact that animals like tigers are today exploited for financial gain after once being revered as spiritual beings struck me as profound. This demonstrates how capitalism has changed our perception of other animals, turning them from revered companions to consumer commodit...
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Interdependence Origination

 I now see the world differently after learning about the Buddhist perspective on the environment. I was particularly struck by the idea of interdependence since it demonstrates how interconnected everything is and how nothing exists in isolation. This is also related to the Buddhist concept of emptiness, which holds that objects merely exist in relation to other people and do not have a fixed or distinct self. This made it clearer to me how interdependent humans and nature are. Ignorance of this fact leads to more pain, including environmental disasters as well as emotional anguish. The Ten Virtuous Actions and Buddhism's ahimsa (non-harming) principle provide a solid ethical foundation to help us lessen harm to the environment and society. Buddhism's encouragement to behave with mindfulness and pure purpose in all that we do, even in seemingly simple ways like how we use food, water, or land, struck me as particularly potent. It made me realize that every decision had a...
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Homework

 I've been thinking a lot about how we live and interact with nature since learning about the Buddhist approach to environmental sustainability. Buddhism holds that nothing exists in a vacuum and that everything is interconnected. I was able to comprehend that damaging the environment also damages humans thanks to the concept of dependent co-origination. Even rivers and mountains are revered as living things, and nature is considered sacrosanct. This point of view promotes resource mindfulness by reminding us to act compassionately toward all living things and to only take what we need. I also value how Buddhist ideals encourage non-violence, simplicity, and compassion for all living things. Sustainable living is naturally supported by the habit of living simply and causing as little harm as possible. But I've also discovered that contemporary practice doesn't always adhere to these ideals in their entirety, as seen in certain communities' lack of vegetarianism or...
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Buddhist Cosmovision Environment and Climate Change

 Humans, animals, gods, spirits, and well-being are all part of the cosmos. Humans are not kings; they are just one group of many sentient creatures. Mountains, rivers, and other natural features are revered as living things. In the worldview, the distinction between sentient and non-sentient becomes hazy. Dependent Co-origination: Interdependence of ecosystems Interconnection: all phenomena emerge in relation to one another; nothing exists independently. Ecological Insight: This idea emphasizes how closely nature and life are related. Ethical Grounding: Encourages thoughtful contemplation and ecological ethics Conventional Method: Conflicts and Criticisms Simple Monastic Life Although minimalism is frequently used to be environmentally sustainable, monks no longer follow this practice. Focus on Ethics Choices for harm reduction and compassion Gaps in Practice Animal liberation and vegetarianism combined with other forms of exploitation Anthropocentrism Senti...
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Case Studies

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 I've become more aware of how important it is for Indigenous and local communities, particularly women, to take the lead in advancing food and climate justice after learning about initiatives like La Via Campesina, Vandana, and the Maasai land defense. These communities are safeguarding their culture, identity, and future generations in addition to seeds and land. The way that Vandana Shiva advocates for women-led seed saving and organic farming while opposing large corporations that promote dangerous genetically engineered crops inspires me. The legal actions taken by the Maasai community to defend their ancestral lands demonstrate the variety of modes of resistance, from demonstrations to courtrooms. These tales serve as a reminder that food is about justice, voice, and dignity in addition to being a source of nourishment. By connecting the earth, culture, and spirit, the Buddhist concept of [Che Nang Sang Sum] (Mandala) opened my eyes to a new perspective on ecology. It re...
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