Page 53 - Applied Buddhism

define and is of no great significance. Human beings and animals way - by looking at the motivations behind our actions.
are born naturally, but their survival very much depends on both the
natural and unnatural ways they behave. According to Buddhism, if our desire to develop biotechnology
is motivated by Generosity, Loving-kindness, and Wisdom, we can
Furthermore, from the Buddhist point of view, nature has three expect positive results. But if our intention is motivated by Greed,
basic characteristics: it is impermanent (anicca), unsatisfactoriness Hatred, and Delusion, we can expect more suffering rather than
(dukkha), and non-self (anattā). It is not inherently good, and less suffering. However, our motivation is unlikely to be a simple
neither is it inherently bad, but it is definitely unsatisfactory. Greed, case of “either-or”, for there is a wide spectrum in between these
Hatred, and Delusion are natural, but Buddhism does not see them two extremes. In real life, our motivations, both individually and
as wholesome. Celibacy, which is seen by many as unnatural, is collectively, are usually a composite of various factors. For this
seen in Buddhism as an alternative way of life. For that matter, reason, the consequence of biotechnology is likely to be a mixture
ordinary medical intervention is unnatural too but is accepted by of good and bad actions.
almost everyone as good. (Ironically it seems, but it is true that many
advocates of the natural approach prefer to preach their ideology in Whether we should venture into biotechnology, or to what
the comfort of air-conditioned room and jet around in planes.) extent, depends on a sincere assessment of our motivation. Many of
the ethical issues related to biotechnology could then be evaluated
There are of course people who favored the unnatural side in this light.
of the dualism. They argued that we should not leave everything
to natural development but take charge of our own destiny. The A brief assessment of the present scenario would reveal that
basis of this argument is that the artificial way is inherently good. much of the present pursuit of biotechnology is motivated by the
Buddhism does not subscribe to this argument either. Human beings three unwholesome roots of Greed, Hatred, and Delusion, despite
have been killing one another, as well as eating animals for food, the public rhetoric about its potential to enhance lives. The recurring
which cannot be considered natural, nor considered good. If it is squabbling over patent rights, monopoly of products developed by
natural, then nature must be very cruel. In other words, to argue TNCs, bio-piracy, and the rush to commercialise laboratory-tested
for or against biotechnology based on this crude dualism is simply products are examples of greedy motivation. Some Governments, and
inadequate from the Buddhist point of view. presumably some terrorist organisations too, are actively working
on the use of genetically engineered organism in bio-warfare. These
What Are Our Motivations? are examples of the motivation of Hatred. The other evil is our
Delusion. Is the present pursuit of biotechnology genuinely rooted
Rather than rejecting biotechnology because it is not found in our sincere desire to help others? If our motivations are genuine,
in the Scriptures, or because it is “Man playing God” and thus we will not ignore the larger obligations to the environment and
considered not natural, Buddhism examines the issue in a different other living beings. Are we not deluding ourselves by trumpeting

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