To explore how we can act to prevent such tragedies, Dharma Drum Mountain launched an ‘eco-life campaign’ on 2 May 2010 at the plaza of Taipei’s Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.

The campaign aims to raise awareness on the danger of global warming and to promote ideas about sustainable living by educating people about strategies to enjoy life in a more environmentally-friendly way. Vegetarian stalls and information about waste recycling, solar power plates and wind power technology were displayed at the event. Various activities were also provided to enable visitors to experience the Chan (Zen) practice, including Tea Chan, Family Chan, Walking Chan with holding a bowl of water, Calligraphy Chan and Eight Form Moving Meditation.

Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong said that the degradation of our environment is actually caused by human beings’ endless desire for material consumption. He suggested that if every single one of us could change our attitude toward the natural environment and limit material hunger with mindful gratitude to our surroundings, the environment could be improved and global warming could be gradually reversed.

Taiwan’s Vice President, Mr. Vincent Siew (Wan-Chang Siew), attended the event to show his support to DDM’s long-term endeavor on promoting environmentalism. He said that the Earth is like the ‘mother’ whom we must respect with the greatest gratitude for without the nurture of a mother, we have little chance for survival. He thus encouraged us to enjoy living a life of simplicity in line with the eco-life spirit.

For the good of the Earth and the survival of polar bears, DDM warmly invites you to join in and cultivate a green life.

(Report by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)