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The arguments from both sides will continue. One thing is biotechnology, the management of risks, and the respect for lives
obvious; the issue has taken on a larger dimension. It is no longer can all be assessed by examining our human motivation. Buddhism
an issue related to biotechnology alone, but extended to Intellectual sees biotechnology as neutral, and the values we assigned to it very
Properties Right (IPR), political and economic dominance and much depend on our motivation. Viewed from this perspective, the
other ramifications. This has somehow clouded our vision on major concern of Buddhism is how and to what extend should we
biotechnology. practice biotechnology. In this context, actions that violate basic
ethical principles like causing harm or death to sentient beings,
Looking at the issue from the paradigm of Greed, Hatred and or stealing, are not acceptable. Likewise, using biotechnology to
Delusion, the companies concerned should seriously ask themselves: achieve our negative desires is also unethical and should not be
are they sincerely trying to protect their basic interest of recovering encouraged.
their R&D costs or are they trying to reap huge profits over a long
period? Are they genuinely trying to cure diseases, enhance human
traits (plus a reasonable amount of financial compensation), or are
they driven by a hidden agenda to control and dominate others? (Paper presented at the National Conference on Biotechnology and Life
It will be a win-win situation if something can be worked out that Sciences 2003: “Delivering the Hopes of the 21st Century”, Kuala Lumpur,
allows biotechnology companies to be profitable and yet fulfill their 21-22 July 2003)
noble objectives of benefitting humanity in the long run.

Conclusion

Biotechnology covers wide fields of application, from the
tiniest micro-organism to human beings themselves. As such the
issues involved are too numerous and complex to be thoroughly
dealt with in this short discussion. In principle, Buddhism does not
object to biotechnology. Instead, Buddhism accepts it as a human
effort to acquire knowledge and to benefit mankind. Although
Buddhism is sceptical about its potential to end suffering, it does
not deny its potential benefits in improving human lives.

Instead of looking at biotechnology as a simple issue of “Man
Playing God” or nature-nurture dualism, Buddhism examines
it from the perspective of human motivation. The outcome of

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