Highligths:
Ecodharma by David R. Loy blends Buddhist philosophy with environmental activism, proposing a spiritual framework to confront the ecological crisis. The book argues that the root causes of environmental degradation are not only political or economic, but also existential and spiritual. Loy calls for an integration of ecological awareness (eco) with Buddhist practice (Dharma) to cultivate a deeper response to the climate emergency.
Key Points: Interdependence and Non-Self: Drawing from the Buddhist idea of interbeing, Loy highlights the interconnectedness of all life, countering the illusion of a separate self that underpins exploitation of nature.
Suffering and Its Origins: The book reframes the ecological crisis as a form of collective suffering (dukkha), resulting from humanity’s craving for control, consumption, and domination of nature.
Meditation as Preparation: Meditation is not an escape but a training ground for developing mindful awareness, compassion, and courage to engage in climate action.
Activism as Practice: Loy advocates for engaged Buddhism, where activism becomes an extension of spiritual practice, rooted in ethics, awareness, and the Bodhisattva vow to alleviate suffering for all beings.
Ecosattva Path: He proposes the ideal of the "Ecosattva"—a new form of Bodhisattva devoted to ecological justice, combining contemplative depth with active engagement.
Ecodharma is a call to align inner transformation with outer action, offering a deeply ethical, contemplative, and practical path for those confronting environmental collapse.
Loy, David R. Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2019
Living in the Future's Past
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