Tibetan Buddhism Addresses Reforestation and Climate Change

When most people think of Tibetan Buddhism, they think of kindly monks, nuns, lamas and rinpoches reciting prayers, and meditating for the welfare of others. It is a noble spiritual activity. However, Tibetan Buddhism is full of pragmatic thinkers who stud the causes of human suffering, difficulties and actual challenges humanity faces and address these challenges thoughtfully. Buddhism is also about taking constructive action for the welfare of others in all areas of life.

Recently, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, who is one of the three key or primary figures in Tibetan Buddhism, held the 2nd Conference on Environmental Protection for Kagyu Monasteries and Centers. I think you will be surprised how thoughtful the discussions were at the meeting.

Here is a brief summary of the gathering….

The first conference on environmental protection was held in March 2009, and at that time representatives from 22 Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries gathered from all over the Indian subcontinent – India, Nepal and Bhutan. At the second conference, the number of monasteries and nunneries represented has now grown to 33.

Topics addressed during the several day conference included waste management, deforestation and reforestation, causes of drought, why floods caused by excessive rain fall, rising sea levels and how they could continue to reforest and plant areas around the many monasteries. To read more, go here for details.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama studies science on a regular basis to remain informed about what is taking place on the planet. He has urged listeners and followers to become involved in reforestation and forest preservation in order to reduce global warming. We at FourGates.com have been using American Forests to plant trees in national and international reforestation projects over the past 15 years. Please join us in planting trees through American Forests important work by visiting their website today. It only costs $1.00 per tree with a $15.00 minimum. Planting trees make a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and memorials for loved ones or friends who have passed away.

Here is a short description about what they do….

American Forests works to protect, restore and enhance the natural capital of trees and forests.

Reforestation create habitat for hundreds of species in local areas.
Forests have an important role in using carbon dioxide, the principle green house gas, in their respiration cycle.

You can make a big difference by helping to plant trees to restore areas damaged by wildfire, where critical wildlife habitat has been lost, and to clean our air and water.

Some calculation show that we each need to add 30 trees a year to natural habitat to offset the global green house gases that are directly or indirectly created through the products we use.

When you make purchases at FourGates.com $1.00 out of every $100.00 spent will be donated to American Forest for tree planting.

Here are three things you can do in regards to reforestation:

1. Make a commitment to plant 30 trees per year to offset your own carbon deficit.

2. Educate family and friends about the important of reforestation.

3. Encourage family and friends to plant trees for any occasion. And, let them know that American Forest is an easy, positive and enjoyable way to plant trees. All you or anyone else has to do it go to American Forest websites, and in 5 minutes they have supported tree planting in any areas they select.

It is easy to support reforestation by joining forces with American Forests to plant trees in national and international reforestation projects over the past 15 years. And, your donations are tax deductable because they are a non-profit organization.

Please join us in planting trees through American Forests website and help with this important work by visiting their website today.

Together we can make a world of difference. Join us today in planting trees to protect the future and restore our precious forests. Spiritual people are practical people!

Christopher Lee May

Tags: 17th Karmapa, American Forests, Buddhist monestaries gather to support reforestation, Dalai Lama, deforestation, Planting trees offsets greenhouse gases, reforestation