Karuna-Shechen works in and around the Himalayas, which have been described as the Third Pole, and we are highly concerned by environmental issues.
The question of the environment is complex scientifically, economically, and politically. But in the end, it is a matter of altruism versus selfishness.
We may assume that the majority of us are basically good people who are willing to build a better world. We can do so together with altruism.
If we have more consideration for others, we will promote a more caring economy, and we will promote harmony and reduce inequalities. We will do what is needed so that humanity and the rest of the biosphere can continue to prosper.
In northern India, Nepal and Tibet, at our humble level, Karuna-Shechen carries out projects that respond to the vital needs of the most fragile individuals and villages, while acting in the long term. Our approach to rural development focuses on education and the active participation of villagers, but also on the preservation and sustainable management of local natural resources.
We bring solar electricity to isolated villages in Nepal, where we also promote agro-ecology and the production of organic foods that are more sustainable for the local environment. We also implement rainwater harvesting systems to avoid depleting the water-table (which results in springs drying up in many villages).
In the Indian provinces of Bihar and Jharkhand, our beneficiaries plant more than 20,000 gardens every year to offset the increase in monocultures that deplete soil quality and significantly reduce biodiversity. We are also training women as electric rickshaw taxi drivers to encourage the economic empowerment of women, while promoting an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. We also distribute tens of thousands of jute bags to combat plastic pollution.
This is just a drop in the ocean, but if we all make efforts in the right direction, we may still be able to build a better world.
~Matthieu Ricard
Read more from Matthieu Ricard about protecting the environment
October 16 2020
« One only needs to become conscious of the truth for error, no matter how deeply rooted, to disappear, just as one only needs to light a lamp for darkness to disperse in a cave, even if it has been...
September 30 2020
In the continuity of Yoga for Karuna, Karuna-Shechen, an association founded by Matthieu Ricard, launches Action for Karuna, to support humanitarian projects in Nepal. From November 2 to 8, 2020, use ...
September 2 2020
« Altruism is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is also the most pragmatic way to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Altruism is indeed not only the noblest state of mind of the human being, bu...
August 31 2020
Karuna-Shechen is committed, since 2000, to provide access to quality education to the greatest number of people. We believe in a more altruistic world and education is a tool of choice to encourage t...
August 31 2020
Karuna-Shechen integrates the practice of solidarity and compassion in its education programs. These are not only keys to solving many societal problems in the short, medium and long term, but also a ...
