A Green Environment for Now and the Future In the past, the major need of
people in this world was arable land. Man did not have to think about animate
things. However, now the adverse effects on forests through over-population and
the development of various chemical elements in the atmosphere have led to
irregular rainfall and global warming. This global warming has brought changes
in climate, including making perennial snow mountains melt, thereby adversely
affecting not only human beings but also other living species.
This dangerous situation is being taken very seriously by the world. In the
past the perennial snow mountains of Tibet had very thick snow. Older people
say that these mountains were covered with thick snow when they were young and
that the snows are getting sparser which may be an indication of the end of the
world. It is a fact that climate change is a slow process taking thousands of
years to realize its effect. Living beings and plant life on this planet also
undergo change accordingly. Man's physical structure too changes from
generation to generation along with the change in climatic conditions.
Because of the growth in the population, a large number of trees are cur for
fuel, and to reclaim land for agricultural cultivation. In the case of Tibet,
too, the Chinese have now destroyed its ancient trees in a similar way to
shaving a man's off. This is not simply the destruction of trees but it also
means harming what belongs to the Tibetans. Similarly, the continuing decline
in forests in many parts of the world, including America, is adversely
affecting the already changing global climate, thus upsetting the lives, not
only of mankind, but also of all living beings.
Similarly, the harmful effect on the atmosphere brought about by chemical
emissions in industrialized countries is a very dangerous sign. Although this
is a new thing for us Tibetans, the world is paying a lot of attention to this
problem. It is the responsibility of us, who speak of the welfare of all
sentient beings, to contribute towards this.
Since I too have a responsibility in this matter, (i.e. to work for the
protection of the environment and to see that the present and future
generations of mankind can make use of refreshing shade and fruits of trees), I
bought these seeds of fruit-bearing" trees with part of my Nobel Peace Prize
money to be distributed now, to people representing different regions (all the
continents of the world are represented here) during this Kalachakra gathering.
These seeds have been kept near the Kalachakra mandala for purification and
blessings. Since these include seeds of apricot, walnut, papaya, guava, etc.,
suitable for planting under varying geographical conditions, experts in
respective places 'should be consulted on their planting and care and, thus,
you all should see my sincere aspiration is fulfilled.
This speech was made during the Kalachakra Initiation at Sarnath. India on
December 29. 1990 when His Holiness distributed seeds of fruit-bearing trees to
encourage environmental protection through planting.
Sumber : www.dalailama.com
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Be aware of the contact between your feet and the Earth. Walk as if you are
kissing the Earth with your feet. We have caused a lot of damage to the Earth.
Now it is time for us to take good care of her. We bring our peace and calm to
the surface of the Earth and share the lesson of love. We walk in that spirit.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~
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