Paying homage to our only home in the universe

Editorial, The Buddhist Channel, Earth Day, April 22, 2008

Today, together with millions all over the world, the Buddhist Channel will lay down its regular routine and bow towards its spiritual home, our venerable mother Earth. As we breathe in, we pay homage to the only place we know that allows us to practice the Buddha-Dharma. As we breathe out, we pay our gratitude to this hallowed planet, for allowing us to savor a bit of what it means to be Enlightenend, for allowing us to hope. Read on, and we hope you will enjoy this special edition just as we have enjoyed putting it together. We would like to dedicate this Earth Day special to all sentient beings.

This Earth Day Special has a special message from His Holiness The Dalai Lama:

"We are also being drawn together by the grave problems we face: overpopulation, dwindling natural resources, and an environmental crisis that threatens our air, water, and trees, along with the vast number of beautiful life forms that are the very foundation of existence on this small planet we share. I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for his or her own self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind. Universal responsibility is the real key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace, the equitable use of natural resources and, through concern for future generations, the proper care of the environment."