Mutual Causality in Buddhism and General Systems Theory: The Dharma of Natural Systems

SUNY Series in Buddhist Studies

by Joanna Macy

This book brings important new dimensions to the interface between contemporary Western science and ancient Eastern wisdom. Here for the first time the concepts and insights of general systems theory are presented in tandem with those of the Buddha. The interdependence of all beings provides the context for clarifying both the role of meditative practice and guidelines for effective action on behalf of the common good. (Suny Series, Buddhist Studies) (SUNY Series in Buddhist Studies)

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality, Religion, Psychology, Ecology, Science

254 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. Joanna Rogers Macy (1929-2025), activist, ecologist and author, was one of the pioneers of engaged Buddhism. Her online work includes the article "World as Lover, World as Self"; "Bestiary" (an ode to wildlife); Nuclear Guardianship, her testimony at the World Uranium Hearings in Salzburg, 1992; and The Vegan Vision, on the ethics of a vegan diet. Her other books include Mutual Causality in Buddhism and General Systems Theory: The Dharma of Natural Systems, World as Lover, World as Self and Rilke's Book of Hours.

Reviews

[Senny Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an eye-opening book that challenges traditional assumptions made by Western society and science. It compares the rather recent field of General Systems Theory with ancient ideas from early Buddhism. If you have interest in either Buddhism or General Systems Theory, this should interest you.

[Websterdavid3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very hard to describe. Which may be a reason for you to read Joanna's words themselves.

Joanna reframes causality in a way that is so very different than linearity or traditional science. Yet it will be familiar to those who follow Martin Buber and the 14th Century Rabbis. Familiar to those who ken quantum science and ken Buddhism.

Since I am none of the above, I am terribly grateful to Joanna for her massive effort and clear writing. When I told her I loved this book four or five years ago, she started laughing and laughing. Apparently this book [a re-write of her doctoral thesis] doesn't usually make the "favorite Joanna Macy book" list often.

[Aadesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mutual Causality in Buddhism and General Systems Theory: The Dharma of Natural Systems" is a fascinating book that explores the parallels between the principles of Buddhism and General Systems Theory, focusing on the idea of interdependence and interconnectedness between all living beings. I have taken many system theory classes and read a few books in Buddhism, the notions of mutual causality seemed natural to me. The popular term "inter-being," coined by Zen Master Thich Nath Hanh, essentially captures the same picture of mutual causality.

[Seymour Hersh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into Buddhism and GST and a deeply moving inquiry into interconnectedness