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 Living Prayer
“What one is bequeathed through the gift of Standing Rock is a clarified, strong, heart, burning with a light of commitment and hope in the face of incalculable odds.”
Go DeeperPractices for Challenging Times
Amidst the still-shaking landscape after the US Presidential election, we might be searching for elusive solid ground. How might we cultivate a true steadiness without running the risk of indifference to suffering?
Go DeeperSteady at the Face of the Inferno
Donald Trump will soon hold significant power in the US and indeed around the world and for many of us, that is truly ominous. But his is only a certain kind of power and, from the perspective of the Dharma, not the most important.
Go DeeperBuddhism and the Sacred Feminine: An Interview with Thanissara – Part 2
“The sacred feminine” is a convenient term, yet “all distinctions are transcended in our own minds and hearts.” We may draw on the “collaborative energy of the feminine,” to transform our current environmental crisis.
Go DeeperBuddhism and the Sacred Feminine: An Interview with Thanissara – Part 1
“A direct knowing of our inter-connection initiates us into the sacred feminine.” Thanissara explores how the sacred feminine is linked to the dharma and how, through body-focused practices, it can provide one channel for our earth-caring efforts to affect climate change.
Go DeeperBeing Content to Live With Less
“We need to recognize that what society presents as real is more like a lie and take another way” Earlier this summer, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa spoke frankly on renunciation, contentment and the climate crisis.
Go DeeperThe Buddha and the Sacred Earth
All views are poetic. All understandings of reality, including “Nature,” are interpretive. In this article, Gaia House teacher, Rob Burbea, explores how Western culture’s views of “Nature” contribute to ecological crises and our opportunity to move beyond those limitations.
Go DeeperVerses for Environmental Practice
In a pure blessing of practice, contemplation and science, the late Zen teacher Robert Aitken offers these daily practices to inform a deeply grounded being. Happy Earth Day.
Go DeeperLifting the Moral Voice for Climate Action
We invite you to join and share the call to governments from faith communities around the world for a decisive, wise and compassionate response.
Go DeeperContemplative Environmental Practice: Retreat for Academicians and Activists
One of the emerging voices in EcoDharm, Kritee Kanko, wants you to join her this summer in the high dessert for contemplation practice and an exploration of appropriate response.
Go Deeper
