DHARAMSHALA, November 16: The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee has asked his monastic community to work with full dedication and become a leader in their respective community on environmental issues.
“In order to save the Himalaya and Tibet from the threats of deforestation, climate change, and pollution, we have to be full of courage and believe whole heartedly that his endeavor is winnable. The alternative is unthinkable,” the young Buddhist leader and head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism said.
“No matter what work you are doing, it is important to make a deeper connection with it through your own personal feelings. Then you will be naturally interested and enthusiastic about it,” the Karmapa said.
The Karmapa, who has been an ardent crusader for environment issues, presided over a three day conference on environment at Gyutoe monastery at Sidhbari near here on Friday. The Karmapa has been instrumental in the formation of Khoryug – an association bringing together 55 monasteries and nunneries of Karma Kagyu lineage across the Himalayas in 2009.
The association presented its action plan for the conservation and protection of environment to the Karmapa who expressed deep concerns about the effects of climate change, especially in the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau.
Along with Environmental Guidelines for the Karma Kagyu Community, the association has also produced a popular and practical booklet called 108 Things You Can Do to Protect the Earth, which was designed during a Khoryug conference by participants from 42 monasteries and centres.
The Karmapa announced award for monasteries achieving best result on environmental issues during the conference that concluded today.
