On 14th April 2021 Buddhist Action Month and the Eco Dharma Network hosted an event on the theme of Buddhist Action. Here are some of the ideas that came from the group discussion. Maybe they will inspire your own action.
As always, when choosing how to act I try to keep three questions in mind. These questions come from David Loy: What does the world need? What can I offer? What tugs at my heart? If I can find something that meets each of these questions, I know that’s a good place to direct my energy to.
Issues
Plastic pollution in ocean
Depletion of nature
Care of local natural spaces
Focussing on COP26
Mental health
The climate crisis
Climate justice
Way of speaking up or taking action
Supporting rewilding initiatives by joining working groups or advocating for projects
Speaking to local government representatives and local groups about local issues
Speaking/writing to national government representatives
Hosting an event at our Buddhist group to raise awareness of an issue
Doing the inner work of transformation that can support or lead to change in the world
Supporting others to the inner work
Resourcing others to communicate
Including people in actions can support their mental health
Practicing outside e.g. meditating or mindful walking in public places
Rebellion of one: a single person meditating in the road, with support from Extinction Rebellion on 1st of May.
Sharing information about ethical banks and supporting people to switch to those rather than banks that fund fossil fules
Ideas
Communicating that we are all one, that we are all part of a global living system
Avoiding polarising debate
Supporting working together and cooperation
Sharing positive news and examples as well as speaking of the fears and dangers
