Todd Lewis Religious Studies Department, College of the Holy Cross Email: tlewis@holycross.edu .
摘要
In the dense settlements of old Kathmandu city, an urban ecology is fueled by abundant natural resources and sustained by a complex web of predator and prey species, all in a space dominated by human presence and practices. These include everyday activities in temples, roads, and homes that are rooted in Buddhist and Hindu doctrines. Both traditions emphasize non-violence (ahiṃsā) to all living beings, and adherents seek merit (puṇya) daily from feeding some of them. In light of the still chronic outbreaks of diseases like cholera, and especially in light of the threat of future avian-vector epidemics, a new avenue of doctrinal interpretation favoring human intervention might be developed based on the Bodhicaryāvatāra, an important Mahāyāna Buddhist text. In the spirit of “engaged Buddhism,” the discussion concludes with suggestions on how Newar Buddhist teachers today can use their cultural resources to shift their community’s ethical standpoint and take effective actions.
目次
Introduction Setting: Urban Kathmandu Newar Urban Ecology and Public Health Practices The Newar Urban Public Health Problem: Modern Development or Historic Continuity? Urban Environment and Applied Religious Teachings Buddhist Teachings and Public Health in the 21st Century Religious tradition as doctrinal source Religion and ethos, or spirit of engagement with the world Religious Institutions Conclusions Comparative Historiography The work of Buddhist culture The role of newar identity Bibliography
