Expert: Anandapanyo Bhikkhu - 6/4/2010

Question
What teachings apply when evaluating Mahayana buddhists position to biotechnology? Also theravada and tibetan? what approaches to ethics apply? How does Mahayana feel about biotechnology. stem cells, cloning and gene technology

Answer
Dear Chantelle,

Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions.

"What teachings apply when evaluating Mahayana buddhists position to biotechnology?

I cannot answer what Mahayana Buddhists would feel about biotechnology as I am more of an expert on Theravada.

"Also theravada and tibetan?"

I cannot answer what Tibetan Buddhists would feel about biotechnology, but I can answer about Theravada.

In terms of biotechnology, stem cells, cloning and gene technology - these things were not around in the Buddha's time. However, with his absolute knowledge he knew that this would happen. He did not leave a particular rule for this occurrence, since this is merely a new technology that will grow, peak and fade as all other things in this world. What he left us was an all-encompassing teaching.

He taught that everything leads to suffering. Everything has stress and suffering attached to it. He also taught that suffering comes from the individual. So, in this case, we do not talk about biotechnology, stem cells, cloning and gene technology as a whole, but we take it in a case by case situation.

There is the short term, medium term and long term. If a person who does these things feel no short term suffering, medium term suffering or long term suffering then this is half-way to being a good action. However, in order to completely be a good action, it must also not cause others short term suffering, medium term suffering or long term suffering. As most actions will create some suffering for someone, this is why the Buddha says all things lead to suffering. The more suffering we cause for ourselves and for others, the more karma we will have to repay. So, it is not a matter of whether biotechnology is absolutely morally right or wrong, it is more about how much suffering it will cause the individuals involved. The more suffering it causes, the more you will get back.

I hope I have answered your questions

Sincerely,

Phra Anandapanyo