從「以人為本」到「同體共生」－淺談星雲大師對當代動物權益議題的回應

From ＂People-oriented＂ to ＂Oneness and Coexistence＂ - a brief discussion about Venerable Master Hsing Yun's view towards animal rights

潘啟聰(Poon Kai Chung)

《無礙法界．正教弘傳：人間佛教在東亞與東南亞的傳佈》 2020年 (2020/04) Pp. 104-121

摘要

在人間佛教的學術研究之中，關於動物權益議題的探討可謂寥寥無幾。有鑒於此情況，本文緣起之一乃希望補上學界相關研究之不足。另外，本文之所以選取星雲大師的論述作研究對象，原因是大師的論述甚為獨特。有學者指出現存人間佛教有關動物權益的討論，在義理上可分為「人類為本」與「眾生平等」兩大立場。從學術的角度而言，兩種立場或有未盡善之處。例如，對「人為本位」的強調是否有「人類中心主義」的傾向呢？就「眾生平等」的立場而言，強調人對動物的同情共感是否默認了人在認知和移情能力上比動物優勝，終究推出的結論不是「平等」而是某程度上的「差別對待」呢？再者，具備移情的能力是否等同擁有關懷之動機亦可置疑。星雲大師的立論則打破了此兩者之分野。從「以人為本」為起點，藉「人我一如」作理路並以「同體共生」為終點，大師這套論述協調和兼顧了不同的立場和理路：既不違佛教以人為本的精神，又不致流於「人類中心主義」的傾向；既符合「諸法緣生無自性」的教理，亦相容眾生均具「眾生皆有真常佛性」之理路；藉「同體共生」的說法回應了「護生」動機之疑問。總而言之，星雲大師為人間佛教保護動物的倫理建構出一種較完整的論述。

關鍵字

人間佛教 ； 以人為本 ； 眾生平等 ； 人我一如 ； 同體共生

並列摘要

In the research field of Humanistic Buddhism, there are very few discussions over animal rights. In fact, Buddhist teachings could be very contributive to the progression of animal rights. Under such circumstance, this article intends to reveal Venerable Master Hsing Yun's view towards animal rights. Ven. Master Hsing Yun's idea over animal protection is indeed a unique one when compare to existing discussions. According to present studies, Buddhist views over animal protection could be categorized into two stances theoretically, including: 1) People-oriented, and 2) Equality of All Sentient Beings. From rigorous academic point of view, both stances have their limitations and rooms for improvement. For instance, would emphasizing ＂people-oriented＂ contain a kind of anthropocentric value? When we think about that all sentient beings are equal and sympathize the living condition of animals, does it imply that humankind has a higher status comparing with other animals? This article suggests that Ven. Master Hsing Yun's idea over animal protection is a breakthrough from these previous views and does not face such limitations. Starting from the stance of ＂people-oriented＂, Ven. Master Hsing Yun also emphasizes on the value of ＂unity between people (and other existences)＂; thus, eventually reach the conclusion of ＂oneness and coexistence＂. To sum up, Ven. Master Hsing Yun has provided us a more comprehensive theory about animal protection. The aim of this article is to reveal and explain the idea of Ven. Master Hsing Yun in a systematic way.

並列關鍵字

Humanistic Buddhism ； People-oriented ； Equality of All Sentient Beings ； Unity between People ； Oneness and Coexistence