Expert: Judy - 6/4/2010

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

Answer
Chantelle,

Basically biotechnology is derived from the desire that human beings have to solve their problems by manipulating life.  The motivation can be for global business, ego-centrism to conquer life itself, or benefits to mankind.

Since there has not had any Buddhist text about biotechnology, this topic is pretty much open to interpretation.  There is no definite interpretation from Mahayana Buddhists.  

In General, Buddhists are NOT against any biotechnology.  The actions should be performed out of selfless motivations or intentions.  Intentions and motivations are essential in Buddhist teachings that result in consequences of actions.  As long as the motivations are not coming from greed, hatred, or delusion, biotechnology is ok.

Buddhist view the entire world as co-existence and inter-dependence with every element and form.  Everything evolves from something.  Biotechnology is born through modern needs.  Because Buddhist teachings emphasize on respecting lives, be them born naturally through sexuality or technology, a life is a life. No harming, no killing any life should be applied in biotechnology.