Earth Dharma
In Buddhist philosophy, “Dharma” refers to “the way things are,” the laws of nature and also refers to the collection of Buddhist teachings. Our “Earth Dharma” collection will offer Buddhist teachings on our fundamental relationship to the earth and each other, the Dharma of climate change and new ways to tell our own, collective story.
We begin with the fundamental principle of unbiased loving-kindness, described here in the Metta Sutta:
May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be,
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, the great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,those living near and far away, those born to-be-born–
May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, 0r despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings;
Radiating kindness over the entire world.
A Buddhist Perspective on Climate Engineering
Climate engineering is now a serious scientific and political conversation. Ven. Bhikkhu Vivekānanda explores the Dharma foundations that can inform our response to this daunting but increasingly real possibility.
Go DeeperThe Power of Two Pennies
Like the Boddhisattva with a thousand hands, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s 10 million members are providing relief to victims of climate disasters and other humanitarian crises around the world. Founder Master Cheng Yen clarifies for all involved, compassion is realized only through action.
Go DeeperLove, the Ultimate Touchstone
Climate science predicts that as temperatures rise, atmospheric stability falters. So with our politics and even sense of person steadiness. Thanissara, invites us to discover the touchstone that can see us through.
Go DeeperLoving the Earth by Loving One Another
Kaira Jewel gives us a lens on the healing that is possible when we see our practice as deeply relational, whether interpersonal, with one another or regarding the rest of nature.
Go DeeperVesak and Climate Crisis at the UN
As part of the United Nation’s observance of the International Day of Vesak, Bhikkhu Bodhi’s keynote speech connected the Buddha’s core teachings to the impending climate crisis.
Go DeeperBreak the Trance:Declare Climate Emergency Now
An invitation to all who love our beautiful planet and her myriad beings.
Go DeeperExtending Our EcoSattva Roots
For many of us in 2018, to track the state of equity, justice, and ecological health has been to feel a trembling resonance with collective suffering. We share here our reflections on 2018 and our ideas for EcoSattva practice in 2019 and beyond.
Go DeeperComes the Night: Gifts and Risks of the Winter Dark
One Earth Sangha’s director takes a moment to reflect on the precious unique gifts offered by our particular orientation within the cosmos.
Go DeeperOf Endings and Risings
In this intensely personal piece, Thanissara reflects on the events of 2018 and the unprecedented challenges to humanity they represent. She invites us to perceive their deep roots in the domination mindset and how we can, out of sheer necessity, respond with a fierce clarity of heart.
Go DeeperFive Practices for Working with the Immense Challenge of Climate Change
“The Bodhisattva precepts….extend from the idea that bodhicitta, or wise compassion, is the ground of ethical action and speech. We too can ground our activism, social engagement, and resistance in wise compassion.” Lama Willa Miller offers five practices that can help us face the immense challenge of climate change.
Go Deeper