On the 20th September, 2019, monastics and friends from around the world came out to support the global youth lead-movement to help our beloved Mother Earth. Aware of the deep suffering of the Earth and many species, including our own, during this time we marched Plum Village style – which is to say; together as a sangha, mindfully, with love, compassion and peace in our hearts.
A delegation of about 90 monastics and lay friends from Plum Village, France came to support the climate strike in Bordeaux. They began the day by practicing eating meditation together in the park by the river. There was much gratitude for Sr. Chan Duc (Sr True Virtue) who brought her deep and serene presence to the day. Br Phap Dung shared about maintaining compassion and kindness in our hearts no matter what kind of energy we may encounter during the day. Sr. Chan Duc lead as we made our way to the city center where the march was to begin. Our friends make placards with Thay’s teachings on them. At the Place de la Victoire we sat in meditation before the march began. Sisters and brothers wore their straw hats to protect them from the heat of the day. The hats also made it easier for us to follow each other as a group in the crowd. Sr Chan Duc led the way in walking meditation amidst the crowds and drums for two hours. Listen to sr Chan Duc’s recent talk about the mind of love and how to take care of yourself while taking care of the earth. https://bit.ly/2mbZJPS Sr Harmony carries a sign which says “Je suis amoureuse de la terre mère.” – “I am in love with mother earth”. It was moving to see such a large turn out of teens and young adults who walked together joyfully and in the spirit of togetherness. Sr Luc Nghiem and Happy Farmer Dorothee Zoe – Long-term resident in Lower Hamlet, Plum Village We ended the day with sitting meditation and singing under the shadow of the cathedral and were later joined by many curious young people. Monastics and friends from The European Insitute of Applied Budhisim, went together to attend the march in Koln, Germany. Our friends from the Joyful Garden Sangha joined the climate march in Singapore. A delegation from Deer Park Monastery attend the march in San Diego Monastics and friends from Deer Park Monastery at the Climate March in San Diego. Sitting Meditation, San Diego Wake Up London came together with Heart of London Sangha, Colours of Compassion, Earth Holder London and Family Sangha to offer their presence at the #globalstrike for the Climate on Friday. #EarthHolders4ClimateStrike #EHC4ClimateStrike #meditation This rising up for our planet continues and many Wake Uppers are involved with Extinction Rebellion UK including the XR Buddhists group. Wake Up London came together with Heart of London Sangha, Colours of Compassion, Earth Holder London and Family Sangha to offer their presence at the #globalstrike for the Climate on Friday. #EarthHolders4ClimateStrike #EHC4ClimateStrike #meditation Sitting peacefully and in silence in the streets of New York, is a revolution. Sitting peacefully and in silence in the streets of New York, is a revolution. Monastics and friends from Blue Cliff Monastery, New York, joined up with the Buddhist Action Coalition (BAC), which is comprised of many Buddhist denominations in the local area for the march. Engaged Buddhists from other organisations continue to take refuge in Thầy’s wisdom and guidance, especially regarding Climate and Social Justice. As part of the day’s program, before they joined the main rally, BAC as a group read aloud from Thầy’s book – Love Letter to the Earth. Walking Mindfully, printing a seal of peace on the Earth with each step. A love letter to humanity Lay Dharma Teacher Marjorie Markus Demonstration Joy Sisterhood Earth Holder Sangha founder Lay Dharma Teacher John Bell and Sister The Nghiem at the climate March in New York. Sr. The Nghiem, or Sr. True Vow, is the Abbess of Blue Cliff Monastery and she has recently joined the Care Taking Council of the Earth Holder Community. She said: “The US, with its massive carbon footprint, needs all the help it can get to transition from inertia to clear, wise, and timely action.” More photos here
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