Journal Article — Engaged Buddhism and Deep Ecology: Beyond the Science/Religion Divide — by Julie Gregory and Samah Sabra

In this article, we suggest that recognition of the shared ontological premises of engaged Buddhism and deep ecology can move us beyond constructed categorical distinctions between Western science and Eastern religion. Specifically, we show how Thich Nhat Hanh’s engaged Buddhism and Arne Naess’s deep ecology argue for expanded notions of self which disrupt distinctions between self/other, human/nonhuman, sentient/non-sentient, and social/ natural. Following their lead, we hold that meditative practices, which may be thought of as methods of connecting thought and action, can provide routes toward embodying the shared insights of deep ecology and engaged Buddhism. We conclude with reflections on the implications of these insights for relations between the individual, society, and nature.