Compassion in Action: Buddhism and the Environment
His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, has been described as a spiritual leader for the 21st century whose teachings have inspired millions of people around the world to engage with urgent social and environmental challenges. In this conversation, the Karmapa speaks directly to younger generations about some of the most pressing issues of our time, including environmental degradation, gender equality, food justice, and the rise of unchecked consumerism. He reflects on how these crises are interconnected and calls for a response grounded in compassion and awareness of interdependence. A forthcoming book, based on his dialogues with American university students, expands on these themes. It explores what it means to live in a world defined by deep interdependence—where technological connectivity has increased dramatically, yet emotional disconnection often persists.
Ecodharma – Buddhism and Ecology
This talk explores how core Buddhist ideas—especially impermanence, non-self, and interdependence—extend beyond personal practice into how we understand society and the ecological crisis. The speaker argues that Buddhism doesn’t describe a world made of separate, fixed things, but rather a continuous flow of interconnected processes, where nothing exists independently on its own. A major focus is the idea that Buddhism itself is not fixed either. As it has spread across cultures (China, Japan, Tibet, and now the West), it has been shaped through “mutual causality,” a term associated with thinkers like Joanna Macy. Traditions like Zen (Chan Buddhism) emerged through this kind of cultural exchange, raising the question of how Buddhism is now being transformed by modern, global, industrial civilization. The speaker then turns to the ecological crisis and introduces Eco-Dharma as a developing response—an approach that connects Buddhist practice with environmental awareness and action. This includes: practice in the…
David Loy What does the Ecological Crisis mean for Buddhism
This talk introduces and explores how Buddhism can respond to the ecological crisis, using it as a lens to rethink core Buddhist ideas.
Buddhism and Ecology
This is an interview-style discussion with Chris Ives, focusing on Buddhist cosmology, Zen practice, and ecological awareness.
Daoism and Ecology
Professor James Miller (Queen’s University) explains Daoist cosmology and its relevance to ecological thinking. In Daoism, all reality is grounded in the Dao (the Way)—a single, underlying principle that gives rise to and sustains all life, from humans and animals to plants, stars, and the wider cosmos. Rather than viewing the world as separate things, Daoism sees it as a continuous, interrelated process.
James Miller on Daoism, Ecology and the Journey of the Universe
This talk presents a Daoist interpretation of cosmic evolution and its implications for how we understand ourselves and the environment.
Daoism and Ecology
This video explains Taoism as a “green religion” that emphasizes ecological balance, humility, and harmony with nature. It describes Taoism as a tradition rooted in Chinese thought that combines spiritual practice with environmental ethics. Central to this worldview is the idea that humans are only a small part of a much larger natural order governed by the Dao, and therefore should not act as if they control or dominate nature. A key principle is ecological centrism, which views nature as self-regulating and autonomous. Humans are encouraged to recognize the limits of their control and understand that their actions create ripple effects throughout ecosystems. This perspective promotes humility and respect for all forms of life. The video also highlights Taoist ideas of non-action (wu wei) and self-cultivation, where individuals refine themselves by aligning with natural processes. Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond ego-centered thinking and reduce anthropocentrism—the belief that humans…
Robert P. Weller – Daoism and the environment
Robert P. Weller criticizes the popular Western idea that Taoism simply means “living in perfect harmony with nature,” arguing that this is a misunderstanding of the tradition.
Daoism at a Glance: Daoism and Nature
This is an episode of the documentary series “Daoism at a Glance: Daoism and Nature”.