The Intersection of Sentient Beings and Species, Traditional and Modern, in the Practices and Doctrine of Dharma Drum Mountain

Abstract

At Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), a Taiwanese Buddhist organization, the interplay of scientific and traditional Buddhist cosmologies produces hybrid modes of environing. This study uses ethnographic field research conducted at DDM’s World Center for Education in 2014 to examine multi-species relationships that surround practices such as tree preservation and animal release. Buddhist cosmologies may be on the margins of a global discourse on the human place in world ecosystems, but DDM, its clerics, and its scientists integrate modern ecology with traditional Buddhist notions to generate a hybrid ethics of being specially attuned to the forest of the monastery. The result is an ethics of compassionate conservation practices that balance the interests of humans, trees, fungi, spirits, dharma protectors, and the whole ecosystem.

The seven fig trees (moraceae ficus, deciduous arbor, also known as the white flesh fig and Philippine fig) in front of the Library & Information Center (LIC) are native to Dharma Drum Mountain. Master Sheng Yen called them the “ Seven Tathagatas .” Having taken root here over 100 years ago, all seven have been deemed rare and old, and placed on the official protection list by the New Taipei City Government.

To protect these fig trees the LIC’s original site was moved back and its orientation altered, creating a picturesque contrast between man-made and natural elements, as well as the stirring scenery that has become a Dharma Drum Mountain Complex landmark.

The “ Seven Tathagatas ” have been infected by Phellinus noxius, a pathogen that causes brown root rot, which is common in tropical and semi-tropical forests. After trees are infected, they are usually cut down and burned to avoid further spread of the disease. But because of the special causes and conditions that surround these seven trees and Dharma Drum Mountain, in April of 2011 the organization opted to employ tree surgery instead. During the surgical operations, steel ribs were set up to support the trees and prevent the danger of collapse. The infected areas were then removed and the infected surrounding soil replaced (the diseased soil had to be fumigated). After the operation the trees need three to five years to recuperate, and it is hoped that the “ Seven Tathagatas ” will regain their original vitality, with a new lease on life.

—Treating Trees in Distress, signboard in front of trees at Dharma Drum Mountain

Chinese characters are included where it may assist a reader familiar with Chinese to identify pronouns or specialized terms. Traditional Chinese characters are used to preserve the format of the original material. Pinyin romanization is used, but where an established proper name uses the Wade-Giles romanization system, the established form is used. In these cases, the pinyin romanization is included in parentheses.