Dharma Rain: Sources of Buddhist Environmentalism

Front Cover
Shambhala Publications, Feb 8, 2000 - Nature - 512 pages
In this collection of Buddhist and Buddhist-inspired writings on the environment, readers are invited to explore teachings and wisdom on universal compassion and reverence for the natural world. Through a rich tapestry of stories, teachings, and thinkers the book examines the interconnectedness of all life, illustrating how Buddhist principles can guide us in addressing modern ecological and societal challenges. From the compassionate acts of Milarepa to the Dalai Lama’s advocacy for environmental preservation, the narrative offers a deep reflection on how inner transformation can lead to global change.

Chapters provide invaluable insight on the Buddhist understanding of non-duality, where the boundaries between self and environment dissolve, fostering a sense of unity and responsibility toward all beings. Contributors engage in thoughtful explorations of how cultivating compassion, wisdom, and a balanced relationship with nature can lead to personal liberation and societal harmony, thus challenging conventional perceptions of freedom and happiness and encouraging a shift from material acquisition to inner growth and fulfillment. For those seeking a path of mindfulness and environmental stewardship, this book is a beacon of hope and inspiration. It not only educates but also empowers readers to embrace a new way of thinking—one that fosters peaceful coexistence with the Earth. Dharma Rain serves as a transformative read for anyone passionate about living in harmony with the world around them.
 

Contents

Teachings from Buddhist Traditions
9
A TreeSpirit Joins the Assembly of Monks Buddhaghosa
21
Lovingkindness Metta Sutta
29
The Hunter and the Deer Milarepa
35
nature as teacher or refuge
43
One Truth Countless Teachings Huayen Sutra
49
Haiku in the Rain Basho Buson Shiki
56
Mountains and Waters Sutra Dogen
65
Encouraging Words for Activists Joanna Macy
252
Renunciation and Daring Chögyam Trungpa
261
Meeting the Dralas Jeremy Hayward
271
DEFENDING SENTIENT BEINGS
278
The Rainforest as Teacher John Seed
286
Guarding the Earth Joanna Macy
293
HOME PRACTICE WILD PRACTICE
303
Meditating with Mountains and Rivers Patrick McMahon
312

Poetry of Daito Daito
77
The Sun My Heart Thich Nhat Hanh
83
Early Buddhist Attitudes toward Nature Lily de Silva
91
Thoughts on the Jatakas Rafe Martin
104
Buddhism with a Small b Sulak Sivaraksa
117
Blue Mountains Constantly Walking Gary Snyder
125
River Seeing the River John Daido Loori
141
The Third Turning of the Wheel Joanna Macy
150
Buddhism in the World
161
Buddhist Solutions for the Twentyfirst Century Prayudh Payutto
170
The Religion of Consumerism Sulak Sivaraksa
178
buddhist countries in environmental
191
Tree Ordination in Thailand Susan M Darlington
198
Dhamma Walk around Songkhla Lake Santikaro Bhikkhu
206
Resisting the Yadana Gas Pipeline Parvel Gmuzdek
216
The Agony of Tibet Galen Rowell
222
Make Tibet a Zone of Peace The Dalai Lama
231
Environmental Activism
237
Zen Work Norman Fischer
246
In Search of the Snow Leopard Peter Matthiessen
319
City Practice and Bush Practice Kuya Minogue
329
Garden Practice Wendy Johnson
335
Vegetarianism as Practice Philip Glass
342
CHALLENGES
353
Notes for a Buddhist Politics William Ophuls
369
Deep Ecology and Political Activism Bill Devall
379
Nuclear Ecology and Engaged Buddhism Kenneth Kraft
393
Population Consumption and the Environment Rita M Gross
409
Envisioning the Future Robert Aitken
423
Introduction
441
Meal Verses Thich Nhat Hanh
448
Apple Meditation Wendy Johnson
465
Verses for Environmental Practice Robert Aitken
471
A Love Letter Nanao Sakaki
477
Contributors
487
Index of Contributors
493
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2000)

Kenneth Kraft, Ph.D., is chair of the Religious Studies department at Lehigh University. He is the author of several books, including The Wheel of Engaged Buddhism: A New Map of the Path.

Bibliographic information