NO MORE BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY Where does Buddhism stand, engaged especially? Every time I read more (all too accurate) catastrophizing about the future of the planet and its life forms, I think anew that we need a brand new mindset about reproduction. That this is the most helpful way to reduce consumption and save us in every way. Far more than even the most conscientious and mindful approach to how we live. Many (most?) theistic religions are considered dangerous by non-believers and AFAIC one of the main reasons that’s true, is that they tend to believe that “G-d will put everything in order, at least, for believers - if they act as s/he recommends anyhow. Whether it’s “Allah” (I sure hear this from Islam!) , some Jews, and a great many Christians. The “He’s got the whole world in His hands” attitude (it once seemed reassuring to me) now seems wildly dangerous. If anything speaks to me, its “G-d helps them who help themselves”. Thinking especially of religions which promote heavy duty reproduction as a duty to spread their faith ( really a political method, I think) whether Catholicism, the fundamentalist Christian “Full Quiver movement, modern Hassidic belief in huge families (to make up the losses in the Holocaust and influence politics in Israel) and Islam (Palestinian Muslim especially, as a demographic weaponry). It sure is the last thing the planet needs no matter WHAT they eat or how they get around. Economically, for a long time, huge families were a primitive approach to social security especially given high infant mortality. But now? Why don’t I hear anything from Buddhist leaders about reproductive policy/recommendations - especially, from “engaged Buddhism” ? Or have I just missed it? Any policy?
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:58:03 +0000