Page 47 - Applied Buddhism

3. Mind-Matter Aggregates. In the higher Buddhist philosophy feeling of compassion (karuṇā) arises and becomes a guiding
(abhidhamma), human life is analysed as a composite of five principle in our actions.
bundles of energies known as the Five Aggregates, namely: feeling,
perception, volition, consciousness, and the physical body. The first Continuous Quest to Reduce Suffering
four are mental energies. The mind, in particular the volitional aspect
of it, is of key importance. In the Dhammapada, it is mentioned that The pursuit of biotechnology represents the continuous cravings
“Mind (citta) is the forerunner of all things.” of mankind for the pleasures of existence. Psychologists see this
as the deep seated desires of all human beings to seek happiness
4. Three Unwholesome Roots (akusala-mūla). The human and avoid pain. But from a Buddhist perspective, existence is
mind is defiled by three unwholesome roots of Greed (lobha), characterised by impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and
Hatred (dosa), and Delusion (moha). When one’s speech, action non-self (anattā).
and thoughts are rooted in these unwholesome roots, unwholesome
results would follow, inflicting suffering (dukkha) to the doer and the Since time immemorial man has tried to exploit nature in his
people around him. Conversely, when one speaks, acts and thinks quest for happiness. Over the centuries, man has made tremendous
without Greed, Hatred, and Delusion, good results would follow. improvements in the quality of life. From the simple use of fire
This is known as the law of Karma, which is the core of Buddhist and basic tools during the Stone Age, mankind has progressed
ethics. The three unwholesome roots need to be transformed to to the stage where he is able to fly to the moon. This success
their positive counterparts of Generosity, Loving-Kindness, and has encouraged mankind to continue his quest for adventure and
Wisdom, which when practiced will lead to good results. happiness unabated. After major breakthroughs in modern science
and technology over the past century, the next frontier for another
5. Transcendence. This refers to the potential of all human breakthrough will be biotechnology.
beings to overcome their shortcomings, develop spiritual wisdom,
and attain liberation. In the Buddhist teachings, all human beings, In the early days of this adventure, alchemists were seen as
through proper cultivation, can replace greed with generosity, hatred witches. Their experiments were frown upon. Copernicus, Galileo
with loving kindness, and delusion with wisdom. The perfection of Galilee, Charles Darwin and many others were persecuted. This
these virtues will lead to the supreme bliss of Nibbāna (nibbānam was the attitude of the powers to be, who were afraid to lose
paramaṃ sukham). their monopoly over knowledge (though not necessary the right
knowledge), and hence power. Today, at the threshold of another
6. Ahiṃsā. It means non-harming or non-cruelty. It is the breakthrough, are we allowing history to repeat itself? Are we too
principle of, and respect for, the intrinsic value of all sentient beings, afraid to explore an unknown area? Why should biotechnology not
not just human life. This respect is accorded to human beings for be given a chance to prove itself?
their intrinsic right to live. It is out of this respect for life that the

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