The Sacred Law of Cause and Effect 'Modern industrial society is a fanatical religion. We are demolishing, poisoning and destroying all life systems on the planet. We are signing IOUs that our children will not be able to pay. We are acting as if we were the last generation on the planet. Without a radical change in heart, in mind and in vision, the earth will end up like Mars, charred and dead'. --J.A. Lutzenberger, The Sunday Times The Meaning of 'Karma' People often think Karma means fate, but it actually means "cause and effect." This is the knowledge that everything that you do has an effect somewhere else, and that each one of us will feel the consequences of our own actions. People disregard this because the consequences are not felt immediately. A simple example is that of heavy smokers, who know that there might be life-threatening consequences, but do not stop. Encouraging Conservation. Sherpa culture is strongly influenced by Buddhism. Their art, agriculture, traditions and social values all reflect ways of bringing daily life to the Buddhist path. The abbot, Tengboche Rinpoche has directly encouraged both cultural and environmental preservation, as have other important Buddhist teachers. The Dalai Lama has consistently spoken out on the importance of environmental protection, especially in the face of the terrible degradation of the once pristine environment of Tibet. Actions have Consequences. Sherpas believe if you indulge in inappropriate behavior, the deities will be offended, the prosperity of the family will decline, your livestock might die and there could be sickness or death in the family. However, if you make offerings, practice generosity are honest, kind and respect the local customs then your family will prosper. The fear of the wrath of deities is actually a clear and powerful way of understanding that irresponsible actions have consequences. Such convictions can protect wilderness areas from pollution and abuse for personal gain. Re-establishing Tradition. Traditional ways of protecting natural resources were in harmony with local beliefs. People respected the local deities and by abiding to the local rules felt they contributing to future good fortune. Yet growing numbers of visitors have bought forces of change that undermine the traditional methods of land management. Recognition of these new pressures in the 1970's, added momentum to the calls for a National Park to be established. More recently, the importance of the traditional methods of land resource methods has been recognized. Hence, the role of the monastery in explaining the relationship between Buddhism and environmental conservation in a way that is respected by the local people is very important. So is our support for their initiatives such as the Sacred Land Eco-Center. Everyone in the Himalayas agrees that the high places are pure or sacred. They are the abode of deities and protectors and the consequences of polluting them are not good. Return to top