Last Sunday was Earth Day 2007 (April 22, 2007). It was good day for a Buddhist society to hold a celebration to plant the Bodhi Tree - the same type of tree the Buddha attain enlightenment under. It was also a good day to have a ceremony to plant at Sala Tree, the tree under which the Buddha passed away. (Picture below, left: A direct clone descendant of the Bodhi tree, planted at 
It would have been a great opportunity to tell the kids that we need to recycle and to reduce the destruction of our earth's natural resources. What is more important, is to reduce & refuse before we talk about recycling. To reduce and refuse is the Buddha's reminder to watch our craving and desires - buy what we need, do not be excessive in our needs and wants -
Instead, our children's priorities were overridden by the need to have a "good ceremony" for the adults. The call for education was overshadowed by the need to a perfect tree planting ceremony. Kids (about 200 of them) were sent into the basement for over an hour without lights, fans, PA systems - and made to experience the First Noble Truth: There is Dukkha suffering!) And
The adults on the other hand, had to "endure" an hour-long Dharma talk in the spacious, air-conditioned hall above the basement - no chance to experience dukkha - Dukkha which drove Prince Siddhartha to lead the spiritual life, that led to His enlightenment.
When it was time for food, we had to wait in line to be served vegetarian food in in polystyrene foam (not the most environmental friendly, but easiest to disposed of). But we are grateful for the hardwork and dedication
We have to continuously strive to find Buddha in our hearts, Dharma in our mind, and Sangha by our side to guide and lead us in our daily lives. And we should not forget the children. Ever. Because they will be the Dharma torch
Happy Earth Day! May you and the environment be well and happy!
1 comment:
I was there, too and Dukka it was. The most important part of the ceremony that I felt was missing from the entire "celebration" was an explanation of the roles the two trees played in the Buddha's live and the importance of trees during the Buddha's ministry and how they are still relevant now.
Even the plaques next to the tress marking the planting lacked these important details. Instead they only showed who planted what and when. No reasons for the planting either.
A great opportunity to educate the masses (both English & Chinese speaking) on the importance of conservation from the Buddhist perspective was lost and shall never come again.
I may be a "marked" devotee by Wesak day but what the heck! If I keep quiet, I'll just be as guilty of ignoring educating and treating fellow Buddhists fairly as the rest of the adults 'suffering' upstairs in the air-conditioned hall. They may be kids but they are entitled to the same treatments as the adults!
Sukhi (BTW this has been trimmed of excess Dukkha)
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