It is widely recognized that, if current trends continue, we are heading towards the certainty of a global temperature increase of more than 1.5°C in the coming decades. This would exacerbate problems such as food insecurity and the frequency of extreme weather events, which could lead to social instability and mass migration. These effects would particularly affect the 40% of the world's population living in coastal areas. Globalization and the excessive increase in the consumption of natural resources cause pollution and the destruction of ecosystems, which could make the planet uninhabitable. The current system, which promotes competition and inequality, needs a radical shift to a model that recognizes our connection to the ecosystem and prioritizes collective well-being. Buddhism offers this perspective, focusing on overcoming the ignorance, greed and hatred that it identifies as the causes of the crisis, and promoting a way of life based on conformity, compassion for all beings and respect for nature.
Buddhism also presents its own perspective on the idea of the self, which it considers not a substantial and autonomous entity, but a psychological and interdependent phenomenon. This approach, far removed from the dualism and individualism so ingrained in modern Western culture, suggests a more holistic and connected understanding of existence. Buddhism invites reflection on how dualistic perception is at the root of global problems such as the current ecological crisis and proposes a more conscious, sustainable and caring way of life, emphasizing the importance of harmony with our environment. Buddhist teaching highlights the need to review our impact on the planet, promoting a more respectful and closer relationship with the world. It also encourages recognition of the interconnectedness of all life, which fosters greater morality, empathy, surrender and collective action toward sustainability.
The climate emergency is also a mirror that reflects our vulnerability and fragility, both individual and collective, by testing our capacity to accept the transience and finiteness of all things. It reminds us that, far from being omnipotent and eternal, we are part of a delicate natural balance that has been radically altered by our actions. The crisis dismantles the illusion of human stability, autonomy and durability that so often accompanies us and reveals our intrinsic connection with nature. Our existence is intertwined with that of the planet; if we jeopardize it, we risk our well-being as well.
Our fear of the climate crisis is similar to our fear of death: an instinctive and deeply human reaction. As with death, we choose to repress or ignore the fear, convince ourselves that our capacity for action is limited, and go on with our lives. However, just as the repressed awareness of our finitude always finds a way to resurface, concern about the weather hits us daily with renewed force. Extreme events such as heat waves, floods, droughts and forest fires act as reminders that our collective existence is temporary. Climate change forces us to face an uncertain future, where the security and stability we have come to value and take for granted are vanishing. Anxiety is thus the sign of the times.
Buddhism offers an enlightening perspective on the climate crisis by going to the root of our fears and emphasizing impermanence as a fundamental principle of existence. This philosophy teaches us that everything is constantly changing, which challenges our perception of stability and permanence and presents them as mere illusions that intensify our suffering. Climate change is a large-scale manifestation of this truth, reminding us that we live in a state of continuous transformation and providing us with tools to manage uncertainty.
Crisis confronts us with our vulnerability and the need to accept the transitory nature of life by testing our ability to adapt to an evolving reality. According to Buddhism, fear is the result of attachment and ignorance, which leads us to cling to security and fear the loss of the known. Buddhism invites us to free ourselves from these attachments, which includes renouncing comfort and the idea of an unchanging world, in order to open a path toward acceptance of a changing reality. It also invites us to recognize that we depend on a healthy planet and that, by damaging it, we endanger our survival. By recognizing our connection to the planet and our shared responsibility for its care, as well as for other sentient beings, climate change reveals itself as a reminder of this universal truth, calling into question the idea that we are separate from or superior to nature.
The ecological perspective of Buddhism, rooted in conscious compassion, highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for environmental stewardship. This compassion encourages us to expand our empathy beyond ourselves and the human, to embrace all beings and the planet we share, and has the potential to counteract the current mass extinction of species. It motivates us to act responsibly, seeking solutions that benefit all beings and promote collective well-being. Through mindfulness, we examine our thoughts and feelings objectively, without judgment. This enables us to act with discernment and compassion, and to avoid impulsive reactions of panic or denial.
The climate crisis is a wake-up call urging us to wake up and act. This wake-up call about our vulnerability will intensify year after year. Ignoring climate change will not make it go away; over time, its impact will inexorably intrude into every aspect of our lives and culture. Buddhism offers us a path, however, by encouraging us to face this challenge with courage, wisdom and compassion. It invites us to free ourselves from fear, to embrace impermanence, to rethink our relationship with the world and to proceed with humility, working together to forge a sustainable future for all beings and to recognize that our destiny is inextricably linked to that of planet Earth.
When faced with cancer, we can choose to ignore it and bury our heads in the sand, or we can face it with courage and determination by initiating treatment; but ignoring it will only lead to a fatal outcome. As Buddhists, we are called to act and join forces for a sustainable future, recognizing that our destiny is inextricably intertwined with that of the Earth. Buddhism urges us to cultivate the wisdom and compassion necessary to confront the climate crisis with unwavering fortitude and resolve. It urges us to transform our consumption habits and fears into conscious and diligent action, working together to safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all beings.
The Ecobuddhism Laboratory: a collaborative project
In response to the inescapable ethical commitment and the urgent need to address the climate crisis, the "First International Conference on Buddhism and Ecology: Ecological Buddhism and Climate Emergency - Towards New Interpretations and Practices" was held on October 26-27, 2023. This meeting, which was carried out through Zoom from Argentina, was the result of a collaborative effort between the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation, with the support of prestigious educational institutions and research organizations from Latin America and Spain. The conference not only marked an important milestone in the integration of Buddhist principles with environmental activism, but also catalyzed the launching of several initiatives that are currently underway.
The Ecology and Buddhism Conference brought together renowned scholars, practitioners and environmental activists from Buddhist organizations, institutions and study centers in Latin America and Spain. Its main objective was to promote dialogue, reflection and the development of interpretations and solutions inspired by Buddhism to respond to the climate emergency. The importance of adopting spiritual and holistic approaches to sustainability was emphasized, setting a precedent for future dialogues and actions at the intersection of spirituality and environmental management. The program was structured around three key thematic axes: interpreting the climate crisis through various Buddhist traditions; the intersections between Buddhism and Amerindian and feminist perspectives; and the synergy between Buddhism and climate action initiatives. The goal was to create a forum for dialogue and analysis that integrates environmental care with Buddhist principles by exploring solutions to the climate crisis from a wide range of cross-cultural and multidisciplinary perspectives.
As a continuation and response to the topics addressed at the Ecology and Buddhism Conference, the Ecobuddhism Laboratory was established, an innovative joint initiative resulting from the close collaboration between the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Buddhism and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation. Based in Chile, this entity is conceived as a non-profit and non-sectarian organization, dedicated to promote, make visible and support research and actions that integrate Buddhist teachings with ecological practice. One of its main objectives is to stimulate dialogue between sanghas and Buddhist centers to facilitate the realization of ecological projects, and to establish a participatory network involving numerous and diverse centers in Latin America and Spain.
Among the activities of the Ecobuddhism Lab are the creation of a Buddhist ecological network, the provision of information, the formation of study groups and a project directory. In addition, the Laboratory aspires to be a space for intercultural dialogue to explore the many ways in which Buddhism incorporates, develops and encourages environmental awareness. It seeks to interact with diverse scientific, academic, educational and cultural entities to enrich the dialogue and implementation of ecological projects and programs among the sanghas. We invite all interested individuals and organizations to join this interdisciplinary network. The Ecobuddhism Lab aspires to become a meeting point for different perspectives, including academic, social, spiritual and cultural, to promote environmental awareness deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings.
Suggestion for the establishment of a Catalan network of ecology and Buddhism.
The valuable experience gained through the development of the Ecobuddhism Laboratory has shown us the importance of a joint and coordinated action between sanghas and Buddhist centers in the face of the ecological crisis. Given the alarming current scenario and the urgent need to act, we suggest, in a spirit of collaboration and humility, the creation of an alliance dedicated to ecology and Buddhism to the members of the Catalan Coordinating Committee of Buddhist entities.
We believe that the establishment of a Catalan network of ecology and Buddhism would be a highly beneficial initiative. Such a network would serve as a platform and forum to strengthen the response of its members to the ecological crisis, provide a meeting place, as well as a permanent flow for collaboration and exchange of information, ideas and resources among entities committed to ecology. The fundamental purpose would be to share common structures, strategies and ideas, as well as to promote actions aimed at fostering environmental sustainability from a Buddhist vision, with the objective of having a more significant and extensive impact on society. The following are some of the benefits and functions that this network could offer.
Benefits
Collaboration platform: the creation of a network would significantly facilitate communication and cooperation between the different centers, strengthening the sense of community and solidarity. This network would provide a space for mutual support among its members and the exchange of innovative ideas to jointly address ecological challenges. It would also allow the organization of joint projects and events, such as seminars, workshops and conferences, which would not only educate communities on sustainable practices, but also foster a spirit of active collaboration. A concrete example could be the organization of webinars with experts in ecology and Buddhism, exploring the intersections between the two areas and discussing solutions to environmental problems from a Buddhist perspective. This would highlight the potential of Buddhists as agents of change.
Information sharing: Establish and maintain an up-to-date information repository that includes research on ecology and Buddhism, as well as best practices in sustainability from a Buddhist perspective. This repository will optimize available resources and ensure that the community has access to recent and relevant information. It will also foster the creation of synergies by sharing experiences and knowledge, thus enriching mutual learning.
Social advocacy: acting as a unified voice to influence public policy and social decisions related to ecology. From the ethical and spiritual perspective of Buddhism, this network can advocate for positive and sustainable change. This unification would allow for greater visibility and outreach, reaching a wider audience and generating significant impact. Such an action could be carried out in parallel to the II Buddhist Film Festival of Catalonia.
Participation in organizations: The network would amplify the Buddhist ecological perspective by participating in national and international sustainability congresses, organizations and conferences. Links would be established and representatives would be appointed to various ecological entities to contribute the Buddhist vision and strengthen relationships. In this way, the network will be able to make its voice heard, contributing to more holistic and effective action for a sustainable and compassionate future.
Education and dissemination: the Catalan network of ecology and Buddhism could promote educational programs on Buddhist ecology, develop informative publications and organize eco-Buddhist film shows. In addition, it could also actively participate in debates and advocacy actions, thus increasing awareness and commitment to environmental protection.
Functions
We understand that the lack of resources and structure may limit the potential actions of the network during its first steps. However, the network could offer some of the services listed below as examples, to further its mission and enhance the ecological activity of its members.
Digital platform: development of an online portal that functions as a comprehensive shared resource for exploring the intersection between ecology and Buddhism from multiple perspectives. This digital space would serve as an accessible repository of knowledge, including sacred texts, scholarly articles and reflective essays. It would also facilitate the dissemination of information and resources: articles, videos and other educational materials.
Essential Bibliography: Compilation of a selected bibliography of key texts that provide a solid foundation for understanding and applying Buddhist teachings in the field of environmental conservation. This collection would serve as an educational tool to promote an informed commitment to environmental sustainability from a Buddhist perspective.
Available support: the network could provide information on public grants, financial support and subsidies. This would also involve providing the necessary documentation and resources to assist in their efforts, implementing energy saving strategies and programs in Buddhist communities: initiate programs that help Buddhist monasteries, temples and communities to reduce their carbon footprint through energy saving measures, use of renewable energy and green building.
Membership directory: The creation of a list of network partners would foster a community committed to ecological and Buddhist principles and, in turn, strengthen their ties. The directory would give visibility to members, promote their work and facilitate collaboration.
Organization of joint events: cleaning and restoration of natural spaces followed by group meditation sessions, reforestation with Buddhist ceremonies and practices that reinforce the spiritual connection with the Earth, courses, fairs and markets, in particular during the Ecology and Buddhism days in Catalonia, as well as the promotion of initiatives among members.
Training and education: offer talks, lectures, workshops, seminars and courses on ecology and Buddhism, aimed at both Buddhist practitioners and the general public, with the goal of increasing awareness and commitment to environmental protection, as well as inspiring a deeper connection to the environment and spirituality. These activities aim to increase educate and engage the community in in-depth discussions about the practical application of these principles in everyday life and environmental policy. Promote a film festival on ecology and Buddhism.
Calendar of activities: maintain an updated calendar of members' events and ecological activities, as well as joint activities such as training courses and campaigns. This would help stakeholders to learn about, participate in and engage with the community.
Promote sustainability: promote initiatives to implement ecological practices in Buddhist centers and communities, as well as the organization of environmental volunteer activities. Stimulate the ecological activity of Buddhist centers and organizations in Catalonia. Awareness campaigns: use digital networks and platforms to launch awareness campaigns on specific issues of ecology and Buddhism, such as reducing consumption, biodiversity conservation and the importance of meditation in nature.
Encourage community participation: invite the Buddhist ecological community to contribute their own research, experiences and reflections on ecology and Buddhism, creating a collaborative space for mutual learning. Promote ecological action campaigns.
A Directory of projects and organizations integrating ecology and Buddhism worldwide would be a valuable resource for those seeking to learn about and connect with these initiatives. It would also publicize examples of successful projects to inspire new efforts. It could also develop an interactive map that geographically locates these projects, helping to visualize their spread and impact. Such tools would facilitate connection and learning around Buddhism and ecology, fostering a network of initiatives committed to a more sustainable and compassionate future.
The creation of a Catalan network of ecology and Buddhism would be an important step in strengthening the Buddhist response to the ecological crisis and contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate future. This initiative would not only enrich knowledge about the links between Buddhism and ecology, but would also foster greater awareness and action on both issues and provide a valuable point of support and information for ecology organizations.
We invite all members of the Catalan Coordination of Buddhist entities to consider this proposal and work together to create a more conscious community. The participation of Buddhist centers in specialized organizations is essential to assume ecological responsibility and ensure the welfare of all beings. By joining forces we can build a society more committed to environmental sustainability and a greener and more harmonious future.
