Multimedia

Slideshow:
This Planet Is Our Only Home

Part 1:  Our Only Home
“This planet is our only home. We have no alternative refuge.  Therefore, everyone has the responsibility to care not only for our fellow human beings but also for insects, plants, animals and this very planet.”  - Dalai Lama XIV

Part 2: The Fundamental Cost
“Buddhism is the strongest form of humanism we have. It can help us learn to live with responsibility, compassion and loving kindness. Every Buddhist practitioner should be a protector of the environment. We have the power to decide the destiny of our planet. If we awaken to our true situation, there will be a change in our collective consciousness. We have to do something to wake people up. We have to help the Buddha to wake up the people who are living in a dream.” - Thich Nhat Hanh 

Part 3: Civilizations in Meltdown
"We can accept the eventual death of this civilization, just as we accept that of our own physical form. Acceptance is made possible when we know that deep down our true nature is the nature of no-birth and no-death. Once we can accept it, we will not react with denial and despair any more. This is a real insight rather than a verbal expression. It generates mindfulness and peace, acceptance and non-fear, and with that you can make a real contribution." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Part 4: For a Future to be Possible
"We are facing the most massive wave of extinction in 65 million years. This fact is profoundly frightening. It must open our minds to the immense proportions of the crisis we face." - Dalai Lama XIV 

Part 5: Focus on the Solutions
"We have renewable energy sources like wind, solar, wave, and geothermal power. Yet we don’t take advantage of this new technology. We’re in a state of despair, anger, division and discrimination...We are unable to collaborate. The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn’t stand a chance." - Thich Nhat Hanh