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Buddhist Views of Nature and the Environment

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Nature Across Cultures

Abstract

The Three Refuges chant that usually begins Buddhist ceremonies reflects the three ultimate components of Buddhism. One becomes a Buddhist by accepting and pursuing the three. The route to enlightenment commences with accepting the Dhamma [dharma] (teachings), starting with the Four Noble Truths, and then following the Noble Eightfold Path (explained below).1

Buddham saranam gacchami. Dhammam saranam gacchami. Sangham saranam gacchami.

In the Buddha I take refuge. In his teaching I take refuge. In the monastic community I take refuge.

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Sponsel, L.E., Natadecha-Sponsel, P. (2003). Buddhist Views of Nature and the Environment. In: Selin, H. (eds) Nature Across Cultures. Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0149-5_18

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