Agenda

09 Oct 2026 16:00

SEMINAR | The Revenge of the Cannibal Crabs: Bio-retribution and Emotion on an Indian Ocean Island

Ca’ Bottacin, Room B Dorsoduro 3911, Venice

Buddhism and Ecology series
The Revenge of the Cannibal Crabs: Bio-retribution and Emotion on an Indian Ocean Island

9 october 2026 | 16:00-17:30
Ca’ Bottacin, Room B Dorsoduro 3911, Venice

Saskia Abrahms-Kavunenko
Associate Professor, Kyoto University

Abstract:
In popular discourse, Buddhism is often seen as being inherently ecologically-minded both in its scriptures and societal practices. Conservation efforts are often believed to be motivated by scriptural principles such as loving-kindness (Pali metta), non-violence (Sans. ahimsa) and an awareness of interdependent co-arising (Sans. pratītyasamutpāda).

This lecture will point out the limitations of focusing on these as the main motivators for caring for animals within Buddhism. On Christmas Island some Buddhists work to avoid retribution caused by the island’s infrastructure, such as roads, that threaten the reproductive lifecycles of the endemic crabs during the red crab migration season.
Introducing the concept of ‘bio-retribution’, I will describe how the ireful and vengeful crabs can be seen as posing a danger to those who intentionally or accidentally kill them. Some of the island’s Buddhists recite the long mantra of Amituofo (Amitābha) to ameliorate the consequences of inviting the revenge of the crabs.
In addition to feeling genuine affection for and kinship with the island’s crabs, fear and avoiding retribution are key motivators for caring for the island’s crabs in the mundane and the supramundane realms.

Language

The event will be held in English

Organized by

NICHE

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