A Buddhist Speaking on Overpopulation Problem

Abstract

The Progressive View on Reproduction as a Solution for Overpopulation: An Attitude from a Buddhist Woman

“Any childless woman cannot be called as an adequate woman”. It is a single sentence that is mostly very familiar among the traditional family in almost everywhere. Even one of the purposes of getting married is only to continue one’s generation by getting one’s biological child. In this case women having little chance to reject the long-invented idea that it is the women duty to fulfill such an aim.

Another factor that may contribute active reproduction is religion. Most of people on earth live with their traditions and religions. These religions take a strong root in the heart of its followers and make them reluctant to object whatever their religions have taught to them. Some religions and traditions implicitly require their follower to perpetuate reproduction for the purpose of getting more number of adherents. Legitimately they encourage the multiplying of biological reproduction for its amplification.

Thus it is crucial to introduce this problem to the religious sphere. To let them acknowledge that their belief has become one of contributors to family and public problem. It is not about blaming certain kinds of traditions or belief but it is just a step to draw their attention to begin realizing that they should not continue persisting that reproduction is a private right rather to see it as an interdependent things which influent each other development. From the perspective of family, the belief to multiply as much as one may able to, may give a risk to the survival of the family. Economically poor family might increase their inability to sustain their family due to inadequate job and income to maintain their family. While from the perspective of living environment, Reproduction may become the trigger for the problem of overpopulation.

Responding to these problems, Buddhism has different attitude toward issue of reproduction. First of all, Buddhism does not take child bearing as religious obligation. However, it doesn’t mean that Buddhism condemns biological reproduction but it puts the issue in the place of a choice. Buddhists never asked to have a large family member in order to increase the number of adherents as Buddhism does not emphasize the quantity but the quality. Often, the teaching of this traditions emphasize on complete worldly renunciation. Therefore Buddhism much more speaks to the importance of developing mental qualities such as love, compassion and wisdom.