Won Buddhism of Manhattan

By Won Myeong-Mary C. Coyle

Won Buddhism speaks of the Principle of Cause and Effect. The cause, or etiology of the present disharmony in our natural world is no mystery. Over 80,000 chemicals are in commercial use today, with only a handful having been fully tested. The question therefore is: How will their presence affect our planet, health, wildlife and future generations to come? And in the Won Buddhist tradition, how will this impact our present lives, and our future lives as well?

A few years ago a scientific study was released determining the reason why humans lived longer today, as compared to those living at the Turn of the Century. Do you think this feat evolved out of our modern medical technology, vaccination program, or the creation of pharmaceutical drugs? No. People live longer today, than in the past, merely because of better public health. The Cause and Effect is that simple - A cleaner environment produces life-span longevity.

Since the publication in 1962 of Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring," informed us of the negative impact pesticides created on our health, and wildlife, many other well-respected environmentalist have stepped forward. The sense of urgency in their scientific data of the ecological crisis of a planet, 65 years into the modern, industrial era, is nothing short of alarming. (Remember the 50's slogan, "Better Living through Chemicals" ?)

So what are the long-term implications of this modern threat? I think of the words of the Heart Sutra. Our global ecology also has no nose, no ears, no tongue, no mind, and no body. From our man-made cause, it silently struggles for homeostasis and balance. But our planet also has no heart or reasoning ability. When the effects of our ignorance and denial take form, there will be no negotiations over the bargaining table. Nature will provide its own logical steps to regain harmony.

As I continually see and read of the increases in chronic illnesses (one out of three Americans is chronically ill); the emergence of new diseases, such as, AIDS; and the rise in vector-transmitted diseases, like West Nile Virus, it baffles me why so little is being done. For unlike so much unforeseeable suffering we experience in our own lives, many of these newly evolving environmental problems are preventable. So why do we allow this ecological form of terrorism to go on? Perhaps the heavily financed special interest groups have such a stronghold in Washington that the politicians feel either threatened, or impotent, to battle these beasts? Or perhaps we all feel deep down that a long-term investment in the planet is futile? That our world will eventually be destroyed through the powers of our own nuclear age?

But as followers of the Won Buddhist faith, our karmas will continually bring us back; and we will be given, once again, more opportunities to right these wrongs. I just wonder how much collective suffering must be endured before a global paradigm shift can occur? When will we finally realize our inter-connectiveness to this beautiful planet, and begin to make the necessary sacrifices for a healthier world - and for the future lives who will inhabit it?

March, 2003