Page 49 - Applied Buddhism

The Buddhist approach to the reduction of suffering (dukkha) Dharma that I have taught you is just like the leaves in my palm,
is through proper spiritual cultivation to reduce Greed, Hatred, and and the Dharma that I have not taught you is like the leaves in the
Delusion. It is a spiritual remaking of oneself. It deals with the mind forest.” The Buddha has given priority to the Dharma in His palm
and its potential. Biotechnology, on the other hand, is a physical as they lead to spiritual wisdom and liberation, but at the same time
or genetic remaking of oneself. Bearing in mind that “Mind is the He also pointed out that there are other aspects of Dharma. In the
forerunner of all things”, this physical remaking is unlikely to lead present context, biotechnology might well serve as a means for us
to less suffering. It may lead to an increase in food production to to see some of the Dharma in the forest.
feed human beings though thus far agricultural biotechnology has
only led to a reduction in production cost, and not an increase in crop Even though biotechnology is not mentioned anywhere in
yield. It may also help cure illnesses through pharmacogenomics the Buddhist texts, its relevance to our present day life cannot be
and enhance our traits through genetic modification but it is unlikely ignored. The pursuits of science must not be banned by religious
to reduce the type of suffering (dukkha) that Buddhism talks about. authorities. Absolute banning will immediately obstruct human
In other words, biotechnology, though very promising, is unlikely imagination and scientific development, and impedes the growth of
to contribute to the spiritual transcendence of man. knowledge among humans. History has shown that any attempt by
authorities to block the acquisition of knowledge would eventually
A Leaf in the Forest fail. In fact, Buddhism encourages the acquisition of knowledge
because “knowing things as they are” or searching for the truth is
Does it mean that Buddhism should disapprove of biotechnology the way to rid ourselves of the darkness created by delusion.
simply because it is not able to lead to spiritual transformation
of man? No. Buddhism as a complete way of life does not claim On the other hand, one must also consider a very significant
expertise in every sphere of human endeavor, neither does it attempt difference between conventional science and biotechnology.
to limit or retard human quest for knowledge into other realms. In Whilst conventional science such as biology and medicine attempts
fact, in the Buddhist tradition, apart from the Dharma (taught by the to extrinsically modify or enhance living beings, biotechnology
Buddha), subjects like logic and philosophy, language, technical attempts to do so intrinsically, by rearranging the intrinsic
skills, and medicine were also highly appreciated and taught. composition of a being. The risks involved are much bigger and
For this reason, Buddhism does not have a history that obstructs unknown and the ethical issues involved much more complex. Even
scientific discovery. if the modification or enhancement is 100% risk-free, the issues
arising from successful modification or enhancement are equally
In the parable mentioned in the Siṃsapā Sutta, SN 56.31, the complex and difficult to handle. For this reason, while conceding
Buddha asked His disciples, “Which is more – the leaves in my that biotechnology should be allowed to progress, it does not mean
palm or the leaves in the forest?” The disciples answered that the that parties involved should act unilaterally without regard to
leaves in the forests were more. The Buddha then said, “Just so, the certain rules, ethical guidelines, and conditions. There should be

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