An exploration of Huayan Buddhist solutions to anthropocentric environmentalism

Abstract

An exploration of the root cause of the anthropocentric leanings in environmental ethics and the environmental movement, the problems that arise from such leanings, and non-traditional solutions. Viewing anthropocentrism as arising from a ???Self versus Other??? mentality???that is, imagining one???s self (or humanity) as dominating over, superior to, or
 even separate from nature???our relationship with nature becomes one of, at best, callous disregard. Considering examples such as the Tragedy of the Commons, I will primarily argue that we get locked into this competitive and separate mentality, and the environmental crises will not be remedied while the ???Self versus Other??? mentality exists. I will consider Deep Ecology, and evaluate some of its tenants in relation to these problems, but a subtle lack will direct us elsewhere. I will argue for the necessity of a shifted ideology, looking primarily to Huayan Buddhist philosophy to combat the ???Self versus Other??? mentality.