Thus human beings, animals and trees always relate to one another in Buddhist practice. According to the Buddhist understanding of the truth of life, death and rebirth, it is our duty to preserve the integrity of the earth because we can return to a better home and happier house. It is our responsibility to preserve the environment for our next life. Buddhist teachings do not differentiate rights from responsibilities. The awareness of rights based on self-attachment and personal benefits are not promoted by the Buddhist teaching since it can not yield peace and happiness to anyone.
Nobody possesses rights without responsibilities to oneself and to others.
We must reap what we sow. We must be responsible for our own behaviors and lifestyles. Because of the Law of Karma and Rebirth, we are responsible for ourselves, at the same time, we are responsible for everyone else and everything else. Buddhists are taught to live both for themselves and for others. According to Mahayana Buddhism, Buddhists should meditate and train ourselves spiritually for enlightenment.