Expert: Buddhis8 - BuddhismIS.com - 3/8/2009

Question
I was wondering what you would say that buddhism is particularaly proud of or hold value to in the sense of resources made available to their communities as well as power bases or institutional infrastucture? Ok, so how are decisions made about priorities? I want to better understand the Buddhist community as it comes to the environment and public opinion.

Answer
It depends on your local sangha. Most of the groups take action around issues of ecology, non-violence, vegetarianism, peace, global warming/habitat, feeding the poor, medical care, disaster relief, prison projects, etc.

Dharma should be integrated into every moment in all our relations. "Politics" is often given a bad name, by people who do not want you to get involved. Here I am not talking about the politics of greed and power mongering, rather the skillful means which create conditions for happiness and future happiness, such as peace, the elimination of harm, the promotion of truth, compassion, etc. If your polity reflects the dharma, then such a natural expression of your integration.

So I think it i snot that Buddha dharma can outline any specific stands on any specific issues, however, through your own insight, you are better able to make skillful choices, coming together with your family, neighbors, community, national and international groups to effect positive change. Many general principles are found in the Buddhist Sutras, and more are to be found in practice. Specific groups such as Green Buddhism, Eco-Buddhism, Engaged Buddhism, and so forth deal with some of these issues.

references:
http://www.knowbuddhism.info/2009/03/action-livelihood-economics-and.html
http://www.knowbuddhism.info/2009/03/buddhism-religion-in-western-world-part.htm...