[Last modified: October, 9 2024 09:38 AM]
In the first week of my study at UCL Environmental Anthropology, I have been able to familiar myself with the basics of the different modules I am taking. And this has inspired me to think more about the research project I will be doing at the end of the degree.
Throughout this Anthropological Methods module, I would like to use the pilot project as a model for my final research project. And currently I plan to work on Buddhism and Ecology. My motivation of doing such a research is based on my long-term interest in anthropogenic ecological problems. And through some readings in human ecology, I was able to identify the deontological features of the ‘capitalist modernity’. And this inspires me to learn and experience different ways of living in the world, which connects people differently to the living environment.
My research question will be looking at how traditional Buddhist views influence followers’ relationship with their living environment and how this has been adjusted for today’s society.
One interesting aspect of looking at Buddhism and ecology is that in Buddhist beliefs, all creatures are equal. And this also is reflected in the fact that for practitioners in some branches of Buddhism, it is against the precepts to kill animals or eat meat.
At the same time, for the religion to adjust itself to the need of contemporary life, it will be interesting to see how they respond to big issues such as climate change and pollution, which definitely does harm to a lot of innocent people. This would then be against basic Buddhist ethos.
One alternative to what has been stated above is to look at the livelihoods of Tibetan communities living in Qinghai Province, China. One important aspect to consider here is how globalisation, neoliberal economic arrangements have affected rural and urban communities living there. And similarly, it is crucial to look at how the belief system of Buddhism makes a difference, if it does, to the relationship between the Qinghai Tibetans and their living environment.
For both research projects, I should be looking at how individual behaviours regarding the environment are linked to the understandings of the roles of Buddhists in the world. It would be interesting to see if there is connection between the popular practice of vegetarian diet (if there is one in China) and Buddhist activities. Other issues include EVs, recycling, consumption and so on.