Biocentric Worldview

Answer

Question 1: Biocentric Worldview

                Biocentrism may be defined as a view or belief system which argues that human rights and needs are not any more important than what other organisms need in the environment. Therefore, all living and non-living things within the ecosystem should be treated equally and recognized as an important part of one big spiritual family. In addition, it is argued that each organism has a purpose and reason being in existence, which is considered to be naturally valuable.

                The Lakota adopt a biocentric worldview as is noted by how they perceive other living and non-human living beings as people.  For instance, during the sun dance which is held in the summer during the full moon all living beings are referred to as “all my relations” in the songs and prayers which are chanted. At this point, the participants pledge to make flesh offerings so that the nation would be awarded more strength. A sacred tree is placed at the center of the dancing arena to symbolize the center of the universe. Basically, these people believe that they can get their prayers answered through the sun, meaning that they believe that some kind of spirit flows through it as well as through the tree.

                The sun is believed to watch over the world and can see everything that goes on. It is also considered to be a servant of God as it is responsible for the showering of special gifts. Hence, even nature including the wind, sun and moon are perceived to have some kind of spirit flowing through them. The sun is viewed as part of a spiritual family which enables the participants of the ceremony to establish a much closer relationship with all things in the universe. The fact that even non-living things are considered important proves that the Lakota have a biocentric worldview.

                I think the Yoruba also adopt a similar worldview. This is because similar importance is given to objects in their surrounding which are considered sacred and capable of helping the people achieve their dreams or even offer them protection. For instance, they have amulets and many other sacred objects that are worn to protect individuals from hostile powers. The objects are non-living yet they are given similar value to that of living things.

Question 2: Karma and the Four Noble Truths

                Karma may be defined as result of actions, meaning that any good deed or intent leads to good karma and long lived happiness while bad intent and deeds trigger bad karma and severe suffering. Karma relates to the four noble truths in that two karmas can be described here. The first noble truth talks about suffering. Here, it is argued that life is suffering, meaning that all who live have a fate of suffering. The second noble truth talks about the origin of this suffering. It is argued that suffering is triggered by the craving and attachment which individuals have for the material world.

                These two noble truths trigger the first karma which occurs when people find themselves in a cyclic existence which does not trigger continuous happiness. Individuals end up acting in selfish ways, which in return triggers the negative results of suffering. Once the action has already been performed, the consequences await. Even if the same individual does a positive deed, the goal of a long lived happiness cannot be achieved as a result of all the wrong things which have been done.

                The second karma exists between the third and fourth noble truths. The third noble truth indicates that this suffering can end. Even though suffering is cyclic, the cycle can be put to an end thereby enabling an individual to enter the state beyond all suffering. This is based on the fact that suffering and its causes are seen to be dependent on the state of mind of an individual.

                The fourth noble truth states that suffering can end if the eight-fold noble path is followed. The noble path indicates that if we can control our body and mind in a way that encourages positive intent and actions, then suffering and problems can be brought to an end. Therefore, this will lead to the karma whereby positive actions trigger good karma. If individuals stick to this, they will be able to encourage a series of positive events and occurrences thereby changing the cycle of suffering. Long lived happiness would mean a strict adoption of a positive trend whereby the correct thought, speech, actions, livelihood, understanding, effort, mindfulness and concentration are considered.

Question 3: Arjuna’s Ethical Dilemma

                Considering the ethical dilemma experienced by Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, dharma plays a role in encouraging him to embrace his duty rather than focus on self-interests. Arjuna is torn between his duties as a warrior and the resulting karma of his actions. He believes that if he does his duties and kills the sons of Dhritarashtra, he will bring suffering not only to himself but also to his family. He also does not want to be held responsible for the deaths of his family members.

                Dharma plays an effective role in influencing Arjuna to let go of the fear of karma believing that it is all for the greater good of the kingdom. Krishna explains that dharma not only stands for duty, but also means going beyond the psychophysical nature of human existence and the related duties. Before an individual can identify their true dharma, they must first discover their true spiritual identity as this will help in harmonizing the temporary responsibilities within the current world.

                When this perspective is considered, Arjuna will be able to realize that his first obligation in this case is not to his family. Rather, he is required to perform his warrior caste duties to help protect the kingdom. This is because he needs to focus more on his spiritual identity rather than the material identity. In addition, dharma helps in convincing Arjuna that his actions will be considered right only if it is based on the non-attachment ethical principle. If he will only act in self-interest, then he is not acting ethically and this could trigger even worse karma.

                Therefore, dharma plays a role in determining when negative actions can still trigger positive results. By going to battle and killing his relatives, Arjuna will be protecting the community from evil men. If he refuses to do his dharma, then the kingdom will suffer as a result of lack of action from his part; all blame will be on him resulting to bad karma. Dharma helps in determining the situations where it may be considered right to go against committing the right action for the greater good of all involved.