A New Look at Western Civilization

For the May issue of our Buddhist magazine, I proposed focusing on “Western civilization” as the main theme. The timing is good. This is the 101st anniversary of the May Fourth Movement in China. It also coincides with the outbreak of a civilization-ending pandemic. My proposal was accepted.

Some of our Buddhist members do not understand why I proposed this topic. What does Buddhism have to do with May 4th? Actually, there is a great deal. It is high time that we take another look at Western civilization and compare it to Eastern civilization. During the May Fourth Movement, the question was raised as to whether China should westernize. It is relevant to Buddhism because the Buddhist concept of Right Livelihood has much to do with how we make a living, how we travel and how we consume. We may not be aware of it, but our lifestyle and our diet habits may harm nature, other humans and/or other life forms (animals and plants) in a subtle way.

The May Fourth Movement started on May 4, 1919. It was partially a response to Western imperialism. It also marks a very solemn moment of national soul-searching. It was less than a century before that historical event, in 1839, that China fought a war with Britain and suffered great loss and humiliation. The Wikipedia has this entry about the cause of the First Opium War:

The immediate issue was…