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Starting with the Buddha himself, Buddhism has always been concerned about the environment and promoted living in harmony with the planet and it’s needs. Here are some of those ways:
- The Buddha experienced his awakening outdoors beneath a tree;
- He continued to meditate outdoors and often taught in natural settings;
- The Buddha recycled. His first robe was made from discarded cloth he found in a village dump. There he gathered the material, cut it, sewed it and and dyed it to make a saffron colored robe which is common among Buddhist monks worldwide to this day.
- The first precept of Buddhism – to abstain from the taking of life – means giving respect to all living beings;
- The Buddha established monsoon retreats because he didn’t want monks walking and trampling new life forms which emerged during the rainy season;
- Buddhist teachers have traditionally stressed the importance of protecting mountains, rivers and mother earth;
- When the ancient Indian King Asoka became a Buddhist he applied Buddhist teachings to his government by planting trees, establishing animal hospitals, and offering only vegetarian meals out of the palace kitchens;
- Buddhist festivals and celebrations often include releasing captive animals;
- Right livelihood is one of the precepts of the Noble eight fold path which directs adherents to avoid jobs which harm the planet or hurt other beings;
- Buddhism promotes compassion, kindness, happiness and non violence applying these toward the planet and everything on it.
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