The Fourfold Environmental Protection Initiative of Dharma Drum Mountain

Abstract

This article explores the unique environmental ethos advocated by Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), an international Buddhist spiritual, cultural, and education foundation founded by the late Chan Master Sheng Yen. It presents a critical reflection on orthodox models of Western environmental ethics and illuminates the constraints of mainstream critical approaches when confronted with the intricate ecological philosophies embedded in Buddhist traditions. Central to the DDM’s model is the profound interweaving of spiritual cultivation with environmental consciousness, a stance that fosters a multidimensional dialogue that engages various ecological narratives. This approach not only resonates with aspects of Western environmental thought but is also firmly grounded in a distinct philosophical tradition that emphasizes spiritual growth as integral to genuine ecological engagement. In this article, it is argued that DDM’s holistic initiatives necessitate an expanded, diversified environmental discourse that accommodates a spectrum of cultural and philosophical insights. Consequently, this examination serves a dual purpose: it provides an insight into DDM’s environmental philosophy, and it can stimulate a paradigm shift while urging consideration beyond conventional boundaries and advocating for a spiritually inclusive approach to environmental awareness and preservation.