With the existential crisis of our time, climate change, bearing down on us, there is a need to develop constructive and sustainable solutions. Great strides have been made in generating awareness about climate change, overpopulation, mass extinction of species and other stressors on the environment. In 2019, The City of Ann Arbor declared a Climate Emergency.
Greater awareness of the stark reality of these impending crises is crucially important, but also can lead to feelings of worry and helplessness in what has come to be called “Eco-Anxiety”. How can we as individuals make a meaningful difference, and how can we keep a healthy perspective and avoid feeling paralyzed by feelings of anxiety and helplessness?
Buddhism has always emphasized the interdependence of all living beings and the benefit of interacting compassionately, as have other great spiritual traditions, including the traditional spiritual teachings of Native American peoples.
Day Two of the Earth Day Forum follows up on Saturday’s informative dialogue between Tibetan Lama Demo Rinpoche and UM scholars and scientists, activists, and indigenous leaders with programs dedicated to exploring environmental awareness and compassionate action through guided healing meditation, a public talk by Demo Rinpoche, an opportunity for interactive discussion with Rinpoche and some of the Saturday speakers, a compassion and environment art project, and more. This Sunday morning talk will be the first of 4 Sunday talks focused on compassion and the environment.
DATE:
Sunday, April 19 – 9:45am – 5:00pm
VENUE:
Jewel Heart Ann Arbor
1129 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
COST: Free
SCHEDULE:
9:45 – 10:15am: White Tara Guided Healing Meditation
11:00am – 12:00pm: Demo Rinpoche Public Talk on Environment and Compassion.
Click here to join live online via webinar registration
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3969557337463540747
12:00 – 1:00pm – Lunch Break with Future 50 based dishes
1:00 – 2:30pm – Two Options:
A. Interactive Group Discussion – with Demo Rinpoche and Guests
B. Interactive Art Activity for Individuals & Families
3 – 4:30pm – Prayer for Environmental Healing and Protection
Demo Rinpoche with present and lead a brief poetic prayer/chant that he composed for this occasion
4:30 – 5pm – Concluding remarks by Demo Rinpoche
