Monasteries to be Awarded for Environmental Conservation Work

By Tenzin Samten / November 18, 2015;

The 17th Karmapa at the 6th Khoryung conference
Photo:kagyuoffice.org

The 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee addressed the sixth Khoryung (Environmental) conference on environmental protection, held at Norbulingka Institute near Dharamshalafor Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries in the Himalayas.

The Karmapa announced that in future an award will be given to monasteries or nunneries based on their innovation and consistency in working towards environmental protection and conservation. He said that it will be a way of recognising thehard work and dedication invested by monasteries and nunneries.

“In order to save the Himalayas and Tibet from the threats of deforestation, climate change and pollution, we have to be full of courage and believe whole heartedly that this endeavour is winnable. The alternative is unthinkable,” said His Holiness the Karmapa to the participants. Commenting on the importance of creating a personal connection to the environment to get inspiration for their activities, he said “No matter what work you are doing, it is important to make deeper connection with it through your own personal feelings. Then you will be naturally interested and enthusiastic about it.”

The 6th conference on environmental protection for Tibetan monasteries/nunneries
Photo:kagyuoffice.org

The annual conference brought together 45 representatives from 29 monasteries and nunneries in India, Nepal and Bhutan to present and review their projects on environmental conservation. This year’s Khoryug conference also created the next five year action plan for participating monasteries.

Having lived a simple nomadic life in Tibet during his childhood, Karmapa expresses very deep connection to the natural world and is an active campaigner for environmental issues. To address his heartfelt concerns for the environment and challenges it faces, he founded Khoryung, an association bringing together 55 monasteries and nunneries in the Himalayan region, in 2009. The sixth Khoryung conference was organised by Kun Kyong, a Tibetan charitable trust.