Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis

by David R. Loy

How can we respond urgently and effectively to the ecological crisis—and stay sane doing it?

This landmark work is simultaneously a manifesto, a blueprint, a call to action, and a deep comfort for troubling times. David R. Loy masterfully lays out the principles and perspectives of Ecodharma—a Buddhist response to our ecological predicament, introducing a new term for a new development of the Buddhist tradition.

This book emphasizes the three aspects of
practicing in the natural world, exploring the ecological implications of Buddhist teachings, and embodying that understanding in the eco-activism that is needed today.
Within these pages, you’ll discover the powerful ways Buddhism can inspire us to heal the world we share. Offering a compelling framework and practical spiritual resources, Loy outlines the Ecosattva Path, a path of liberation and salvation for all beings and the world itself.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Environment, Ecology, Philosophy, Nature

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

David Robert Loy is an American author and authorized teacher in the Sanbo Kyodan lineage of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

Reviews

[Karma Gyatso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just started, but astounding. Should be required reading for every Buddhist!

[Natú · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of opinions about this book. Simply put, this book is an excellent book about Buddhism, but falls short as a book about political ecology.

Loy presents many novel and useful points of analysis vis-a-vis what Buddhist (particularly Mahayana) teachings can tell us about sources of human alienation from the environment and how to remedy that relationship. His assertion that Buddhism, especially in the West, has lent itself to habitual disengagement from systemic suffering and collective care/responsibility, and that it ironically has the potential of reifying the self if used in the McMindfulness, self-help/self-care way (though he hints at this more than makes the accusation outright), is an argument I've been waiting for and was glad to see here. The natural result of pursuing this thread is the conceptualization of collective dukkha, i.e. the systematization and magnification of the same tendencies that produce individual dukkha on a societal scale. If the path is a means of understanding and relieving personal suffering, then - Loy argues - it is high time we undertake a collective effort to reconceptualize our relationships with each other and the environment in order to treat systemic causes of suffering. In a way, it is the next step in Engaged Buddhism, one with a more directly political application in that it openly acknowledges that sociopolitical and economic systems have injustices and alienating tendencies baked into them that must be actively reckoned with and changed.

On a more individual level, Loy does a great job showing how the cognitive acts of objectification and conceptualization generate subject-object, inside-outside, self-other relationships that generate alienation by reifying the delusion of the self. Grasping sunyata (pun not intended) is a crucial step in overcoming this division and has a direct application to mending our relationship to the environment by moving beyond its objectification and towards a personal identification with it. His kōan study is in full display here, and he makes nimble use of them to slowly unpack tricky concepts.

Where I take issue is the horizon of possibilities Loy establishes for implementing a mindful resistance to the status quo and generating a collective movement towards dismantling our destructive economic system based on exploitative reliance on overproduction and growth-based benchmarks. If I'm not mistaken, he only uses the word socialism once, and perhaps never identifies the culprit as capitalism per se, and instead relies on phrases like "our system of overproduction and commodification," to paraphrase. Regardless, you could probably count on one or two hands the times that specific economic systems are identified, even though Loy grounds much of his argument in the systemic causes of collective dukkha and environmental destruction (one of the appendices more directly accuses capitalism than Loy does in the book proper).

This felt like Loy walking on eggshells, given the refusal of many in the Buddhist community to identify with politics, for reasons from "they're all rotten" to "politics is inherently divisive so I avoid it." However, this holds back the argument significantly, because by failing to clearly identify a culprit, Loy limits the realm of change to reforms within the current system. One spot that struck me went something like "we may even have to resort to non-violent civil disobedience." I was surprised to see such hesitancy, since non-violent civil disobedience is well-established within Engaged Buddhism and is hardly a controversial means of civic engagement regardless of your denominational or political affiliation. The fact that he uses MLK Jr. as a role model for such protest is also damning: MLK later in life moved from conciliation with the US and capitalism to outright denunciation of capitalism and calling for its overthrow, at which point he was promptly assassinated. This is indicative of a broader failure of the argument to acknowledge that the system which profits off of destruction is hardly likely to peacefully relinquish its grasp on the reigns of power, let alone allow for concessions it has so far steadfastly refused. The possibility of enacting significant change within the system, rather than changing the system, is dubious.

When all is said and done, I really did enjoy this book and got a lot out of it. I would say that if you think you'd be interested in this, read it and you will be glad you did. I would just say in closing that Loy lays some strong foundations, but they remain to be expanded upon in a way that will allow for the consolidation of an actual EcoSattva movement within broader social and environmental coalitions.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loy's book isn't only a wonderful, helpful guide to the current ecological crisis and what humans can do about it, it's also a great intro to some of the basic concepts of Mahayana Buddhism, specifically emptiness and what it really is (not nihilism, as westerners sometimes mistake it to be) and interbeing/interconnectedness. If you're unfamiliar with the environmental crisis and the activists doing something about it Loy will introduce you to many more books to read, people to follow, and ways to help. He directly confronts the reasons that Buddhism and many other religions have had problems coming together to work for the earth and discusses ways we can repair our ways. And I very much appreciated that he, with a heavy influence by/debt to Joanna Macy, directly confronts the idea that maybe it's too late to "save the earth," but convincingly tells us why we need to try every day to do it anyway. That's a very important idea to confront, that we've destroyed the earth in ways we can't ever repair. It's also important to remember that a Bodhisattva does good without attachment to the outcome. We don't know what will truly help, what won't, what's going to happen. All we can do is both change our own minds and work to change the world around us for the better because that's what we can do. I read this book along with my sangha and I found that discussing it with others helped in dealing with the feelings of pain, anger, frustration, and sadness that it brought up, and also helped me figure out new ways I could actively help. I also now hope to one day attend one of Joanna Macy's workshops and to spend time at the Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center.

[Tom Burdge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, Loy employs Buddhist teachings to argue Buddhist teachings dictate that those who care about Buddhism should also care about the climate crisis. When you think about it, this isn't a particularly ambitious thing to argue for.

Loy is quite light on details in various instances, particularly in his dismissals of "sectarian" politicism. His use of the word "spiritual" is very imprecise, and often quite misleading. And some of the arguments that he dedicates a lot of space to are quite flaccid; his discussions of no-self and emptiness often amount to "we are part of nature" which is true in a sense, but doesn't give the cutting insight into the climate crisis from Buddhist teachings that Loy promises.

Quite a big omissions in Loy's discussion of modernism/enlightenment values and associated pitfalls. While Loy is correct that all traditional Buddhist sources are pre-modern, he overlooks that various contemporary interpretations of said texts are very much modern developments (for instance, the re-interpretation of the sattipathana sutta during and post colonialism are well documented). Furthermore, in his critique of the enlightenment separation of man from nature, Loy ignores that many would put him within the enlightenment values camp; see, for example his occasional mentions of Buddhism's 'remarkable' closeness to scientific predictions in the final chapter, and his dedication thr bulk of an entire chapter to a protestant attempt to "deconstruct and reconstruct the self".

I'm sure Loy could respond to some of these concerns, but an overarching theme of the book is that he doesnt seem to have exposed to what critics (who also care about the climate crisis) might say, and so he doesnt anticipate them. There are the occasional nuances, for instance he makes some attempt to not invoke a noble savage narrative.

Despite all of these issues, I was most disappointed with Loy's very light exposition on how the bodhisattva belief that individual liberation is a less worthy goal than the liberation of all beings. I imagine this is because he worried it might be "sectarian" and isolate Theravādins but he could have trodden lightly and explored the particularly interesting insight this concept brings. For instance, the implications for our responsibilities toward future persons.
Although Loy is aware climate change is an intersectional crisis I really felt his comments felt like an add-on reminder; this is really something that requires its own chapter rather than a few pages throughout the book.

There are some good parts though. The appendices are probably the strongest part of the book, particularly "the sixteen core dharma principles" and "getting real about climate change".

[Logan Streondj · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was somewhat confusing the arguments against helping the environment seemed to be a lot, and. The arguments for were rather tenuous and a stretch.

It mostly focuses on hypershallow western mahayanna buddhism, like he literally didn't even mention reincarnation a single time, but instead kept talking random jesus stories.

I'm greatly disappointed.

Like here is a simple argument for which he didn't even attempt, having a better ecosystem would lead to less suffering.

Here's another grow a paradise now and you can reincarnate into it.

[Nick Orvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ecodharma is a passionate, if sometimes scattershot, summation of a group of views that have emerged among Buddhist leaders on the subject of climate change (or, to use the term Loy prefers, the ecological crisis). For those - like me - who are familiar with many of those leaders' works but have not engaged with the specifically ecologically oriented parts of their teachings, it serves as an apt introduction and points the way to a great deal more reading (particularly, as other reviewers have pointed out, of the Joanna Macy works that Loy frequently cites). Even without that knowledge, though, there is a great deal to be gained from this book for a general reader. As in his other work that I've read (Money, Sex, War, Karma), Loy shows a knack for the pithy and provocative turn of phrase and for situating core Buddhist ideals in Western social justice terms. All of these are to his (and the book's) credit.

Unfortunately, the book also feels a little scattered. Large parts of the beginning are dedicated to reciting the details of the crisis that we face - which is worthy enough, but can feel like a distraction for those who want immediately to jump into answers, suggestions, and calls to action. (I suspect Loy would, perhaps rightly, encourage us to sit with our discomfort in simply reading about how bad things are.) While each chapter feels engaging in and of itself, the book doesn't quite feel like it gains momentum as a whole, doesn't build to a sweeping argument of the sort that I'm sure some readers are eager for. I'm torn as to whether this is a strength or a weakness; I suspect the answer is neither. Much like the pages of quotes that precede each chapter (which I see at least one other reviewer struggled with), the book is probably at its most potent if you're willing to meet Loy where he is and have some background knowledge of him, his tradition, and Buddhism more generally.

Despite these hindrances, the book contains many thought-provoking and beautiful reformulations of long-held Buddhist truths into contemporary terms in ways that are helpful for facing the ecological crisis. The appendices, which collect a few major statements from Buddhist leaders (including Loy) on the topic, are particularly valuable as even pithier enunciation of the steps we need to take. It's a worthy introduction to the topic.

[Jim Ringel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little over half way through and am thoroughly enjoying the book. I like the way David digs way deep beneath the surface. The central question it raises for me: what does it mean to turn away from considering ourselves stewards of the earth while embracing are part as the earth's co-inhabitant.

I've been doodling a lot lately about the Buddhist idea of Non-self and what it means. Ecodharma offers a lot to think about.

All right. I'm going back to it now.

[Jeffrey Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book with its central premise of channeling the individual work and practice of Buddhism toward more collective effort to solve our crucial world problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and other pressing issues.

[M Spiering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books on the topic of climate change and environmental/societal decline (such as The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace Wells, Dark Age America by John Michael Greer, and Collapse by Jared Diamond), so I expected to be well-prepared for what David Loy has to say in Ecodharma. None of the other books so clearly brought home the message for me that the time to act against impending planetary destruction is now. It really is *now*.

I don't identify as a Buddhist (or any other adherent of one of the other World's religions), but I found much to like about the author's weaving together of how individual shortcomings stated in Buddhist terms (as the three poisons of greed, ill-will, and delusion) are now manifest at institutional levels (the world's economic system institutionalizes greed, militarism institutionalizes ill will, and the corporate media outlets institutionalize delusion). Loy deftly lays bare the delusion at the heart of our collective striving for more material goods (or larger digits in bank account), an activity that now not only denudes forests and empties oceans but also impoverishes our "inner" landscapes, which look more and more alike in our relentless quest for atomized individualism--lacking meaning and contentment because satisfaction is invariably sought--but never found--"out there" (as consumer goods or distractions in the form of entertainment or social media).

This sense of lack, in the author's view (closely aligned with the Buddhist view), originates from the absence of a findable, solid thing called the self. Grasping to the idea of a self/soul (which arose from Hindu and Christian theologies but also perhaps more importantly was recently bequeathed to us by thinkers who helped spawn the modern Enlightenment and scientific revolution, such as Descartes, Kant, and Spinoza) leaves us helplessly groping for gossamer in hopes of finding something to hold onto as we wrestle with conflicting feelings of being either impostors or the salt of the earth. These feelings are further aggravated by the assertion made or implied by vast swathes of science that we're the equivalent of "meat machines," programmable organic matter without agency and (true) self-consciousness--a legacy of the impulsive but erroneous Cartesian split into mind and matter.

Loy's main contention is that in order to turn things around, to protect this planet from the further ravages of environmental degradation and the climate emergency, both individuals and institutions need to wake up from the delusion of separateness from the world we inhabit--we're not in this world, we're *of* this world, part of a boundless whole that at its core is caring and loving.

The task of waking up is couched largely in Buddhist terms in the book, but can be extrapolated to almost all religious/spiritual practices that include instructions for calming and focussing the mind as a way to gain direct insight into its workings, including how many thoughts and emotions give rise to delusion of separateness, and to eventually experience liberation from this delusion. As Loy emphasizes, solitary practice is not enough to achieve this goal and help avert the climate crisis, but has to be balanced and augmented with actions that speak up against power and support those in need (including, but not limited to, small businesses and activities in the community).

A highly recommended read for anyone interested in ways to reverse today's ecological and spiritual crisis. The time to do so is *now*.

[Jim Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book.

I'm finding it tough to write a thorough review... I underlined and bracketed pieces here and there so I could come back to them and quote them or comment on them but I found myself doing so much of it that now half the book is underlined or bracketed and I'd be here writing all morning...

I have loved some of Loy's work ("Money Sex War Karma" and "A New Buddhist Path") and appreciated others ("The Great Awakening," "The Dharma of Dragons and Daemons"). This goes instantly into the love column.

Like Daniel Quinn, Gus Speth, Naomi Klein and others, Loy recognizes that the solution to the climate crisis involves a radical shift in values. There is no silver bullet technology or simple answer to this problem. We will not survive this as the same people wanting the same things. Just saying "no straw please" or ordering the veggie burger isn't or using the swirly curly light bulb is not enough, not even close to enough. Most of the solutions people offer amount to racing over the cliff at 70 miles an hour instead of 80 miles an hour; not an improvement. What we need is to stop the car or change direction.

The heart of the problem is our desire. An emptiness we're trying to fill, largely due to our feelings of separateness from the wider world and from each other. Until that is healed and until we get our desires into a healthy place, the problem will be unsolvable.

I don't know that Loy exactly provides the answers for how to do this. I mean, yes, the meditation, the ecosattva thing, the greater understanding of our nature and place in the world. He doesn't give a real way to scale that up. A handful of Buddhists isn't enough. The change in vision and value needs to spread.

He does, however, lay out the problem, which I appreciate, and which I'll be thinking about a lot.

And I expected this to be heavy on the Eco and light on the Dharma, as many Buddhist books of this sort tend to be. I was pleased that it was heavier on Buddhism than I would have thought. It made it a better read, more useful, more thorough.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was what I had been looking for. I have been practicing Buddhism for over 12 years now, and I have felt something was missing. That was the connection between the tenets of Buddhism and social and environmental justice. To me those two could not possibly be separate, but I could not articulate a why or a how. David Loy has dome that. He articulates to Buddhists or those who study Buddhism why it is so important not just to focus on personal spiritual growth but also to lean into Indra's web and realize that as bodhisattvas, we have vowed to save every sentient being - and that means not personally saving them, but working on the structures that have arisen to support those that ease suffering and reconfigure and redefine those that cause or exacerbate suffering.

This book is so important and gives not only the spiritual standing but also the next steps to think abou it. He quotes a bit from Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone's Active Hope and that seems to me the perfect companion text to read after this one. May it be of benefit to all beings.

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read chapters 3 and 4 so far, as they were assigned for a class, but holy shit, I can't believe there's not more hype around this book. Loy does such an astounding job summarizing and distilling the core tenets of Buddhism. And, in applying a Buddhist lens to our ecological crisis, he explains his arguments so lucidly, so comprehensively, in easy-to-understand language, in a way that feels urgent and resonant and powerful and clear. His references are very wide-reaching, and I appreciate the diverse (and I do mean diverse) perspectives he incorporates into his own work. This book is about Buddhism, yes, but it is also about everything, about what it means to be a human right now, and about how we can chart a more loving, ethical, sustainable way forward, lest we lose the opportunity as humans to chart any way forward at all.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is not terribly educated about the ecological crisis. He repeats the old eugenecist's saw that ecological problems are due to overpopulation, rather than overconsumption. He praises the "creativity" and "opportunity" of capitalism, and makes uneducated assumptions about atheism (i.e. that atheists don't care about the earth because they don't have spiritual beliefs about it).

There are multiple pages of quotes before each chapter, which is weird.

When he does get around to talking about his area of expertise, it is often poorly linked back to his thesis about ecology. Readers would be better served reading the Joanna Macy works he quotes extensively.

[Roy Madrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but found it to be an incredible call to action in the opening chapters. Unfortunately, the integration of the call and the actions was not explored clearly or succinctly in the remaining portions of the book. I personally think it was a worthwhile read, but I had already heard and agreed with most everything presented in the book.

Would recommend to people looking for an alternate view on how we can address climate change and global corporatism without burning out.

[Cheryl Olseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author David Loy has made a convincing case for utilizing Buddhist teachings with climate activism. Buddhism creates a duality between mindfulness and causing no harm, or at very least making the effort to right the harm we have done to the planet and all species, including ourselves.

If you hope to convert others to act on climate issues, this is the book for you.

[Wu Shih · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una riflessione necessaria riguardo all'importanza che il buddhismo può assumere oggi per un percorso che sia di pace, giustiza sociale e rispetto per ogni essere vivente.
Affronta diversi tempi "caldi" della società contemporanea anche fa da un punto dottrinale. Molto stimolante le ipotesi di dhukka sociale e illuminazione collettiva.

[Avery Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this exploration of the “ecosattva” path and the case Loy builds up for why Buddhists must act. My only feedback is that so much of the book covers “making the case” regarding climate change, and I was wishing for less emphasis on what’s wrong vs. more time exploring how the dharma can guide us toward right action.

[Eva Breitenbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me think much more critically about the cultural context that Buddhism developed within, and the ways in which that might play out in inaction. I'm actually finding now that this book's main thrust is quite applicable to racial justice work.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

ECODHARMA.... I thought I’d reviewed this book. Lots of repetition here. Same argument Buddhist’s love to argue. Is everything GOD, or is everything NOTHING. I was hoping for new ideas on ecological issues.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

most definitely a hefty read and although some very eye opening points were made, (primarily about composition of the spirit etc) i found this one to be bland. interesting but did not feel like anything new.

[Brianna Jefferson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book very repetitive and relies too heavily on quotes rather than the author’s thoughts on the topic. Also the environmental takes felt elementary, but then I felt like the linkage between Buddhism and the environment wasn’t accessible. Was a very tough read for me

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way forward? Quite thoughtful and inspiring.

[Jamie Alfieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mix of Dharma and ecology.

[George F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely, pertinent, engaged. For spiritual practitioners and activists seeking the theory behind being an ecosattva

[Kat Vermillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read, Loy discusses climate change not only in the context of Buddhism but also through the lenses of several other spiritualities.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and oddly comforting despite the heavy subject matter. I have some quibbles on writing and content both (if anything, a little short), but still deserves 5 stars

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Senza pensarci voto 5/5. Libro bellissimo e importantissimo in questi tempi bui e in crisi. Vi supplico di leggerlo perché lo sviluppo della mente ecologica è ciò di cui abbiamo più bisogno ora.

[Chris Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtfully constructed and argued with some great insights on both Buddhism and environmentalism

[Henrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read if you’re interested in buddhism and/or how to deal with (both in the sense of accepting and counteracting) the increasingly likely demise of humankind.

[Seph Chris King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book. There aren't many books like this out there. It's inspired me to try and live a better life for the planet. What I'm saying may be corny, but for me it's true. We need to find a way, all of us to do better. We face the possibility of dying everyday, even if we dont realize it. But if we don't act now all of life on earth could die. No joke, and it's the result of each of our individual action. We have a chance, a small chance, but that's how we humans tend to work best. To do better for the world, to not pollute it, poison it, and directly or indirectly add to its end. This is one of the few books that can start us on the path. It dosent provide a whole picture. Life never does, it's up to each of us and all of us, to find someone to start, and go forth in a path of love. One critique is that The ideas are organized okay, but could be better. The topics of each chapter are broadly associated with what's in the chapter. I'm left wanting more, but this book gave me a place to start, and I'm thankful for that. Thank you, with all my heart, David Loy.