Episode Three A Buddhist perspective on eco-grief

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I suggest that we consider eco-grief as one of many forms of suffering (dukkha in Buddhism) arising from the transient nature of existence and from our insatiable desires or attachments to things and sensations. I'll look at two aspects of eco-grief: on the one hand, a feeling of loss at what is passing, dying or being degraded; and on the other hand, a deepening anxiety about a chaotic and fearful future. I'll argue that, in order to act in a mindful, wise and compassionate manner, we need to combine clear-sighted realism with a positive and creative attitude. I'll suggest that we need to focus on what we can do now to change minds and behaviour, rather than allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by an imagined future, however bleak we may imagine it to be. This talk was first given at Exeter University, UK, in February 2020 – just before the Covid pandemic started to affect our lives.