The Earth, our only home, is in peril. Ecosystems that have evolved to sustain life over many thousands of years are collapsing under the pressure of rapid climate change and pollution. We humans and our greed are the cause. The Earth and caring for the earth are fundamental to our Buddhist practice: the Buddha touched the earth on attaining enlightenment.
Recognising that that racial healing and social justice cannot be separated from climate justice and preservation of the earth and all beings living on it, Buddhists Across Traditions put out a call to Buddhist and mindfulness networks around the UK, along with organisations and individuals that stand in solidarity, asking them to share how they are engaging in actions towards the sustainability of the earth.
This is their response …
Conscious Flow – Consolata Enobakhare
Consolata says :“The climate crisis is a racial justice issue, a social justice issue and a health issue. Those already suffering from historic inequities and systemic oppression are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. Climate justice therefore recognises the connection. It also recognises that the participation of these historically exploited communities must be prioritised. And that they must be included in decision making processes in order to be at the forefront of engineering solutions to the climate crisis.“
Learn more about Consolatas’ work on Cons’cious Flow at their Instagram or website.
Buddhists Across Traditions – Amisimu
As part of our commitment to re-build communities and in recognition that racial and social justice cannot be separated from of climate justice and caring for the Earth, we have actively supported through donation and time projects working working with rural communities in South Africa, Kwazulu Natal.
These rural communities are most impacted by the legacy of Apartheid, inter-generational separation and climate change.
The video describes some of the work of the Amisimu Charitable Trust.
Watering Seeds
The Watering Seeds bursaries were launched in response to the gap in funding for Black, Asian and other minority Buddhists working on climate change and climate justice.
This one-off project offers bursaries of up to £1,000 in the summer of 2021 in the run up to COP26.
For more information on the project, see the website.
Plum Village – Ireland
Rainbow Sangha
We stand proudly in solidarity as allies, honouring our deep friendshis with BIPOC friends all over our beloved planet and across Buddhist Traditions. Rainbow Sangha Ireland wholeheartedly shares the values embedded in racial, social and climate justice.We are engaged in building a beloved community in the Plum Village tradition, for LGBTQIA+ friends, from diverse cultures.
If you would like to contact Rainbow Sangha Ireland you can email rainbowsanghaireland@gmail.com
Earth Holder – Ireland
Earthholder Community Ireland is a mindful Earth Justice initiative in the Plum Village tradition of Engaged Buddhism. It formed in 2020 and meets online on the 3rd Sunday of each month to build community and friendship, deepen our Earth Holding practice, and explore how we can engage in mindfulness-based Earth, racial and social justice work in local communities They incorporate an honouring of Irish land ancestors and the ancient Celtic celebrations.
Find out more at our website where you can explore resources to nourish your Earth Holding practice.
Global Tree Initiative
Global Tree Initiative
The Global Tree Initiative is connecting communities around the world through tree planting. Currently planting in 40 countries. All the good-hearted activities dedicated to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, all wise, kind spiritual teachers, the planet and every sentient being.
For more information about the Global Tree Initiative see their website.
Empowering the Vision – Logsang Yangtso
Empowering the Vision is a Trust to strengthen the Tibetan community through youth empowerment. It is our vision to see truly self-reliant and dynamic Tibetans who are able to hold their own in the global world.
Lobsang Yangtso is a Research and Campaign Assistant to Tibet Third Pole, International Tibet Network. She has contributed immensely in shaping the agenda and discourse around the subjects on China-Tibet dialogue, especially concerning the Environment and the geo-politics.
Insight Tradition
Sangha Seva
SanghaSeva offers retreats and events that participate in humanitarian and ecological projects in ways that support deep and meaningful lives.
By combining the inner activity of meditation with the outward movement of inter-action these retreats promote harmony for all beings of the world, including the planet and ourselves.
To find out more about SanghaSeva please visit their website
Eco Dharma Network
Eco Dharma Networkwas created in 2019 in response to the climate emergency. We are a network of Buddhist communities offering a platform to strengthen our capacity to take climate action and to coordinate wide-ranging initiatives.Over the last year they have held webinars with the aim to expand the number of Buddhists engaged in the ‘climate conversation’ and to resource Buddhists already in our network to engage in climate activism thereby strengthening our community, relationships and connections.
They are working to support and influence transformative outcomes from COP26 from a Buddhist perspective, and are collaborating within the broader climate community including with Faith for the Climate and the COP26 faith task group. You can sign up to their mailing list here.
Bright Earth Temple
Kaspa of Bright Earth Temple in Malvern said :’We called our temple Bright Earth because caring for the earth and being in relation to the earth is so central to both of our practices. The Buddha gave very clear instructions to care for all living beings, develop compassion for all living beings.”
Bright Earth’s website is here.
DANCE
Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE) bring the heart of compassion into the front lines of activism.
Our actions are aligned with our faith, and expressive of our pain at the damage our industrial growth society is having on our world.
Extinction Rebellion Buddhists
Extinction Rebellion Buddhists formed in April 2019 for the April rebellion. They consisted of many members of DANCE, the Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement, and some independent Buddhists who were also alarmed by the climate science and motivated to take action. XR Buddhists believe that climate justice needs to centre on the voices and experiences of the most affected communities. XR Buddhists take part in skilful, peaceful climate action. They bring their Buddhist practice to the public sphere by meditating at banks, museums, on the streets and as part of demonstrations.
You can find out more about XR Buddhists at their website.
