Embracing Ecodharma: How Buddhist Philosophy Meets Environmental Activism

January 7, 2024 / activist360

David Robert Loy: A Visionary

In this enlightening interview, we sit down with David Robert Loy, a renowned professor of Buddhist and comparative philosophy and an acclaimed Zen teacher in the Sanbo-Zen tradition. David shares his profound insights on the intersection of Buddhism and modern ecological challenges, introducing the concept of Ecodharma.

Throughout the interview, David eloquently speaks on topics such as healing ecology, the parallels between Buddhist teachings and environmental challenges, and the significance of nonattachment in activism. His thoughts on how Buddhism and Ecodharma can contribute to a deeper understanding and resolution of environmental issues are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Merging Spiritual Insight with Environmental Action

David’s journey from anti-war activism to a deep engagement with Buddhist philosophy and his contributions to various organizations, including as a co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center (RMERC), highlight the breadth of his experience and expertise.

His profound teachings, encapsulated in works like “Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis,” have resonated in major journals worldwide, underlining the urgency of integrating spirituality with environmental activism.

Ecodharma is a compelling response to the ecological challenges we face, extending the profound teachings of Buddhism to deepen our connection with the Earth. David underscores the importance of Buddhist principles in understanding and resolving environmental issues, an understanding vital for grappling with climate change and fostering sustainable living.

When asked if there were figures within or outside of Buddhism that have particularly inspired his approach to Ecodharma, David referenced being influenced by Joanna Macy of Berkeley, California, the grandmother of the whole Ecodharma movement, and called attention to her writings.

The Power of Nonduality and Nonattachment in Environmental Activism

Central to his teachings is the Buddhist principle of nonduality. This concept challenges the traditional view of separation between individuals and the natural world, highlighting this separation as a fundamental cause of environmental degradation. David argues that acknowledging our integral connection with the Earth is key to effective ecological solutions.

Additionally, David highlights the Buddhist teaching of nonattachment to outcomes. This principle is crucial for environmental activists and practitioners, helping them stay resilient and motivated, even amidst slow or uncertain progress in ecological conservation.

A Future Vision: Spiritual Traditions Reorienting to Protect Nature

Looking to the future, David envisions a shift in spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, to prioritize and safeguard our natural environment. This transformative vision calls for transcending our limited perceptions and embracing a more profound interconnectedness with nature.

This conversation is not only a must-watch for those interested in Buddhism and environmental activism but also for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our connection with the world around us. David Robert Loy’s insights offer a powerful and timely contribution to the conversation on spirituality and environmental activism. His perspective opens up new avenues for integrating Buddhist practices into modern environmental discourse and action, making a significant impact on how we approach ecological challenges.

Harmony with Nature: A Core Principle in Major Religions

December 10, 2023 / activist360

*Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023.*

In a world increasingly focused on environmental conservation, it’s enlightening to explore how major religions respect and honor nature. These ancient faiths provide a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that highlight the sacred bond between humans and the natural world.

Let’s take a look at how major religions prize harmony with nature:

Buddhism: Mindful Stewardship of Nature

Buddhism teaches the interconnectedness of all living things, promoting a deep respect for nature. The concept of ‘Ahimsa,’ or non-violence, extends to all living beings, fostering a mindful approach to environmental stewardship. The ancient Hindu texts discourage wanton destruction of nature including of wild and cultivated plants.

The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axe-man who destroys it.
―Gautama Buddha

Hinduism: Divine in Nature

Hinduism views nature as a manifestation of the divine. The reverence for rivers, mountains, flora, and fauna in Hindu texts underscores the faith’s ecological ethos. The Earth is often personified as the goddess ‘Bhumi,‘ reinforcing the sanctity of the natural world.

Mother Earth, may whatever I dig from you grow back again quickly, and may we not injure you by our labour.
—Atharva Veda

Christianity: Stewardship of God’s Creation

Christianity advocates for stewardship of the Earth, viewed as God’s creation. Biblical scriptures, such as Genesis, emphasize humanity’s role in caring for and preserving the environment. In Genesis, God instructs humanity to manage the creation in particular ways.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
—Genesis 1:26–28

Islam: Nature as a Sign of God

In Islam, nature is seen as a tapestry of signs pointing to the divine. The Quran frequently references the environment, urging believers to protect and respect it as a gift from Allah.

“And Allah has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.”
—Quran, 16:65

Judaism: Balancing Use and Preservation

Judaism teaches a balance between utilizing and preserving nature. The concept of ‘Bal Tashchit‘—do not destroy—highlights a commitment to avoiding wastefulness and promoting sustainability.

If not for the trees, human life could not exist.
—BT Taanit 23a

Each of these faiths brings a unique perspective to environmental ethics, yet they all share a profound respect for the natural world. This universal reverence underscores the importance of collaboration across religious lines for the conservation and protection of our planet.

Empowering the World: UN’s Pioneering Initiative to Forge Global Resilience Through Advanced Early Warnings

September 24, 2023 / activist360

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has launched the “Early Warnings for All” initiative, slated for completion by 2027, to develop advanced, multi-hazard, and people-centered early warning systems to protect every individual globally.

The “Early Warnings for All” Initiative

Initiated in March 2022 and with an action plan unveiled in November 2022, it’s founded on four pillars:

Disaster risk knowledge, led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
Detection, observations, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of hazards, led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Warning dissemination and communication, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Preparedness to respond, led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Despite the proven efficacy of such systems in mitigating disaster impacts, access is limited, especially in underdeveloped and small island nations. The initiative requires $3.1 billion over five years and is endorsed by Multilateral Development Banks, emphasizing its role in mitigating climate impacts and protecting lives, livelihoods, and environments.

The initiative, seeking collaborations across sectors and levels, aims to modernize global early warning systems and align them with climate action goals, focusing on integrity and justice. The systems will provide understandable and actionable warnings, enabling timely actions to minimize potential harm, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa, where 60% lack coverage. Investments of $800 million in developing countries could potentially avert $3-16 billion in losses annually. It represents a collective effort to safeguard vulnerable populations and emphasizes the importance of united actions in realizing the goals of this initiative.

Harnessing Data and AI in a Unified Response to Crises

In light of the multifaceted global crises exacerbated by climate change, advancements in AI, technologies, and data ecosystems offer transformative solutions. At the 78th UN General Assembly, discussions included harnessing technological breakthroughs for a resilient future and unlocking the potential of data, analytics, and AI to anticipate and mitigate crises and disasters. Emphasizing the need for innovative data-driven approaches, the discussions revolved around global initiatives like the Early Warnings for All initiative and the Global Climate Action Agenda, underlining collective efforts to build a more resilient world and achieve Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to leave no one behind.

The UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative exemplifies a collective stride towards global resilience and inclusive crisis response. It highlights a united commitment to employ innovative technologies, data analytics, and AI to lessen the impacts of climate change and disasters, especially for the vulnerable. This initiative symbolizes a united vision for a sustainable and equitable future, aiming to ensure security and well-being for all, emphasizing a future where every individual is accounted for and protected.