How Are YOU Changing the World Now?

by Shen Shi'an, The Buddhist Channel, Feb 4, 2005

Singapore -- This shocking piece of news appeared in the papers recently... About 160,000 people worldwide die every year as a direct result of sudden extreme changes in climate (leading to floods, droughts, heat and cold waves). The European heat wave of 2003 alone had left 19,000 dead. Unless air pollution, the root cause of climate change is reduced, we are on a catastrophic collision course with nature.

Dominated by worldwide temperature increase, climate changes are widely believed to be result of carbon emissions. A resurgence of diseases like dengue and malaria is also attributed to rising temperatures, which could also melt the Antarctic ice caps, raising sea levels beyond 5m, threatening coastal regions. What can we do? For a start, use smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, since they account for 1/5 of global carbon emissions. We can also make environmentally informed purchases, like opting for energy-efficient goods and use less electricity.

The above are live examples of how we are all interconnected, interdependent. It is living testimony to the reality of the Buddha's teaching of dependent origination. Interbeing! As Venerable Cheng Yen taught, "When kindness prevails, there will be perfect climate, peace and prosperity." Whatever anyone does anywhere anytime affects everyone and everything. Saving the planet is largely a concerted effort of reversing our collective downward-spiralling ecological karma.

A good socially-engaged Buddhist is always a green one. If you are not part of the solution, you are most probably part of the problem. For instance, must you really drive? I do sincerely hope your answer is "no". Every excess joyride leads to the opposite of joy in the long run. Every excess craving for convenience will lead to future inconveniences. Public transport, be it cabs, buses or trains, are running anyway - why not use them instead? Give up your car entirely if possible!

It's amazing how we are actually killing each other via lack of concern for the environment and those who dwell in it. Environmentalism is not an abstract thing anymore. Your disegard of global cause and effect, along with others', can indeed kill thousands via various means, as listed above. Are you an accomplice? Who says you can't change the world? You are changing the world now with the things you choose to do or not do. How are you changing the world now?

Some of the many things I'm going to do - support recycling more, create less trash, turn off the extra air-con and lights, save water... (more tips at actgreen.com). I'm going to forward this message to my friends too. Will you too, as a fellow citizen of this one world we share, please help the world, by doing the same... or more?

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For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:

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Dear Friends in the Dharma,

We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.

Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:

One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.

How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.



For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB

The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118

Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.

Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.

Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.

Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.

Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.

Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!

May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,

With deepest gratitude,

Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team


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