Buddhism is a tradition which has cultivated a profound sense of the interconnection of all life-forms in its doctrine of dependent origination. This teaching of interrelatedness may be a critical basis for the recovery of human reciprocity with nature and with all life-forms. This volume examines Buddhism's understanding of the intricate web of life. In noting the cultural diversity of Buddhism, it highlights aspects of the tradition which may be helpful in formulating an effective environmental ethics.

It cites examples from both Asia and the United States of socially engaged Buddhist projects to protect the environment. Finally, the volume explores some of the theoretical and methodological issues involved in such a project. Elaborating upon topics introduced at a conference at the Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions, the authors analyze the prospects and the problems of using Buddhism as an environmental resource in both theory and practice.