Friday

The Sakyong on signing declaration on climate change

Letter from His Holiness the Dalai Lama

In the winter of 2008, Buddhadharma magazine published an appeal for an international Buddhist conference in response to the growing risks of climate change. Following this appeal, a document was drafted with the input of over 20 Buddhist teachers, culminating in the Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change, whose first signer was His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Touching the Earth group is delighted to share the declaration with the sangha, and we have been incredibly fortunate to receive the following advice regarding the declaration from Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, echoing his mindful instructions on “Protecting the Earth” in support of Earth Day 2009:

“The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, would like to like to encourage everyone to read and sign the statement if they so wish, as it is a significant contribution to the discussion of Buddhist contemplation and action on environmental protection.”

The Touching the Earth group invites sangha members to heed the Sakyong’s advice on reading and signing the Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change. (The link takes you to Ecobuddhism.org, the Web site that is managing the declaration.) Signing the declaration fits into the larger Shambhala Green Commitment announced in April 2009.

You can reach the group at [email protected] with any questions or comments.