Abstract:
Environmental psychology is a modern filed of psychological study which has
been specially designed to examine the interrelationship between human and
environment. The field of Study is explained as, "Environmental psychology is
a field of study that examines the interrelationship between environments and
human affect, cognition and behavior" (Gifford 2007).
In this paper the attention is focused on the examination of Environmental
psychological features include in the Buddhist teachings. Even though still there
is no such a field as Buddhist environmental psychology, through this research
some important landmarks are expected to blurb for the future studies.
In analyzing the Buddhist teachings on this context, in the Rāmaṇeyyakasutta
of the Saṃyuttanikāya, clearly explains two fundamentals on this subject as
Bhūmirāmaṇeyyaka (beauty of environment) and Manussarāmaṇeyyaka
(Beauty of human). Here the Buddha clearly preaches that, Beauty of
environment rely on the beauty of human. As the beauty of human it explains
how human behavior becomes a serious factor in enjoying the environment
beauty. This explains that environmental conservation methods should be
introduced through a mental transformation of human.
In this research all such factors are expected to discuss comparatively with the
modern environmental psychology. Suttantapiṭaka of the Pālicanon is referred
along with relevant commentaries in examining the Buddhist Standpoints and
theories of environmental psychology are discussed quoting Environmental
psychology by Gifford , Paradox of environmental psychology by D. Stokols,
and Hand book of Environmental Psychology by D. Stokols and L. Altman,
where it necessary.
