Green Buddhism: Practice and Compassionate Action in Uncertain Times

Description

At a time of growing environmental crisis, a pioneer of Green Buddhist thought offers challenging and illuminating perspectives. With species rapidly disappearing and global temperatures and sea levels rising, there is more urgency than ever in the need to understand and act on the ecological and climatic crises. Millions of Westerners are now practicing Buddhism and mindfulness--what perspectives, teachings, and practices can Buddhist traditions contribute to the green conversation? Drawing on her decades of experience as an environmental scientist, teacher, Buddhist practitioner, and nature lover, author Stephanie Kaza offers a range of insights into the meaning and possibilities of Green Buddhism. The essays collected in this volume provide a comprehensive guide to the most important topics and developments that have occurred at the intersection of Buddhist practice and environmentalism, as well as helpful guidance for how individuals and communities can use Buddhist worldviews, principles, and practices to live more sustainable and connected lives.

STEPHANIE KAZA is Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont. Her previous books are Mindfully Green- A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking and The Attentive Heart- Conversations with Trees. She is the editor of Hooked!- Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume and coeditor (with Kenneth Kraft) of Dharma Rain- Sources of Buddhist Environmentalism.

"Stephanie Kaza is a wise woman working in a wise tradition, and so this is a very wise book-and it comes at the moment when it is most desperately needed."-Bill McKibben, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? "An exquisite and prophetic book, where mind, heart, and body embrace the mystery of the natural world."-Joan Halifax, author of Being with Dying and Standing at the Edge "Kaza's writings embody the classical Buddhist virtues of insight and compassion and have also helped create an authentic, morally committed, environmentally aware and activist American Buddhism. A very valuable and for teachers very useful book."-Roger S. Gottlieb, author of Morality and the Environmental Crisis and A Greener Faith "Stephanie Kaza is a leading voice for Buddhism and ecology. This eloquent book brings together a lifetime of reflection, meditation, teaching, and practice. To read it is to sense the depths of wisdom and the breadth of compassion for the future of our Earth community."-Mary Evelyn Tucker, Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology "Green Buddhism is part Buddhist philosophy, part exquisite naturalist observations, part history of Buddhist environmentalism, part roadmap to action-all woven together seamlessly by one of the elders and visionaries of the Buddhism environmentalism movement. Lose yourself in these essays. Study the tools, grapple with the ideas, learn as much as you can (she'll tell you exactly how Buddhists can contribute to climate change action). Then come out ready to act. This book should be required reading in our turbulent times."-Diana Winston, Director of Mindfulness Education, UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center "Stephanie Kaza is such an amazing combination-a biologist who was for a long time professor of Environmental Studies in Vermont, trained in the Unitarian ministry, and for decades a practitioner in the Zen tradition. Her passion and experience pervade these essays, which sparkle with insight. Kaza is always rewarding reading."-Daniel Cozort, author of Highest Yoga Tantra "Anyone interested in how Buddhist teachings can be brought to bear on environmental issues should read this book by Stephanie Kaza, a leading figure in Buddhism and ecology. Drawing from her expertise and experience as a scholar-practitioner, she guides us skillfully along the green Buddhist path. I imagine other readers will join me in relishing her lyrical and engaging treatment of such topics as intimate encounter with nature, ecologically engaged spirituality, the greening of Buddhism, the challenge of consumerism, the contours of a Buddhist climate ethic, and the ritual celebration of changing seasons."-Christopher Ives, author of Zen on the Trail: Hiking as Pilgrimage "Such a blessing to have the essays of pioneering spiritual ecologist Stephanie Kaza in one volume! Her vibrant writing joins scientific savvy, a compassionate heart, and an abiding concern for the planet. Her green Buddhism calls all of us to wakeful activism and greater intimacy with all things." -Judith Simmer-Brown, author of Dakini's Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism "Stephanie Kaza's Green Buddhism is a magnificent compilation of essays, reflecting her intimate engagement with natural history, ecology, Buddhism, and social justice. Her work stands out as deeply personal and reflectively astute, while also learned, scholarly, engaged, and most of all, pertinent. What a stunning blend of memoir, direct experience, and wisdom!"-Mitchell Thomashow, author of Ecological Identity and Bringing the Biosphere Home