A Spiritual Dimension and Environmental Education: Buddhism and Environmental Crisis

AbstractBuddhists believe that a well-trained mind that is developed to its highest capacity of intuitive insight and wisdom can helpresolve environmental problems through its adherence to the Five Precepts and pursuance of the Eightfold Path to the cessation of suffering, as well as through showing loving-kindness and good-will to all. Buddhists also believe that selflessness andkindness are essential human characteristics which are needed for a peaceful society. It is argued in this paper that these beliefrepresent a set of deeply-embedded cultural values that have shaped, as well as constrained, environmental education in schoolsand elsewhere in Buddhist countries