In the present day, our planet is facing some of the worst environmental problems in history, as well as other life threatening conditions, namely air and water pollutions. Compounding these problems are the widespread deforestations that have devastated landscape and contributed to torrential rains and floods in various parts of the world. These natural disasters continue to threaten lives and destroy properties in many countries. For this reason, many people and organizations have been actively campaigning to awaken public awareness on the importance of protecting the planet we live on. This idea was first initiated by the Honorable Gaylord Nelson, an American Senator, who encouraged American citizens to step up and help safeguard this world. Many organizations also realized the importance of this valiant effort and organized walking rallies in large cities throughout the United States, with over 20 million participants taking part in them. Thus, in 1970 (2513 B.E.), April 22^nd became officially recognized as Earth Day. From that day forward, there have been thousands of rallies and activities organized to alert the people on the importance of protecting our planet from natural disasters, which ironically, are the byproduct of human activities. Human beings are the most valuable commodity on Earth as well as the most influential determinant in deciding the direction the world moves towards. They also are central in the decision processes that determine the balance of all things in the world. Human being can be considered as both the creator and destroyer of their natural setting and environment, as evident in the widespread destruction of land and forests from deforestation, dumping of chemical waste and development of weaponry. All these activities have contributed to the pollution of the soil, the water, and the air we breathe. Therefore, the activities on the Earth Day aim to:

1. Reduce the rate of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere
2. Eliminate chlorofluorocarbon, a well-known compound contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer
3. Protect the remaining forests
4. Prohibit the purchasing and selling of live animals that may ultimately lead to their extinction
5. Maintain a population level that can be sustained by the amount of natural resources available
6. Empower organizations to protect the atmosphere, water and environment from activities of human beings that are destructive to the planet
7. Increase people’s awareness on issues regarding the current problems and how to protect the world

However, although there have been numerous campaigns aimed to protect the world, very little changes has been seen. Humans are still destroying their natural resources and directly contributing to the rising of temperature every year. Lord Buddha delivered a sermon in which he expounded on a Dhamnma called ‘Lok-Ka-Ban-Dhamma’ that can be applied to save the world. This Dhamma explains about ‘hiri’, embarrassment from committing any physical, verbal, or mental activity that is unwholesome; and ‘otappa’, fear of the consequences from misbehavior. The unwholesome action causes distress to self, people and other living creatures, and can be in the form of a thought, words expressed, or an action. Therefore, one should never cause troubles for self, others and should feel ashamed if one ever wants to steal, or to kill. Others may not know what we may have done or thought of, but we ourselves do. The second part, otappa, is fear of the consequences derived from misbehavior. For example, if we poison the rivers and channels by dumping toxic wastes, we will eventually be prosecuted, have our reputation ruined, and go to an unfortunate realm after death. When someone has ‘hiri’ and ‘otappa,’ he will not only think about himself but also will take into account the effects his actions may have on others and the environment. When such awareness becomes customary, the world would be a much lovelier place to live in. If we contemplate about the origin of all problems, we find that human being is the source of all the environmental problems. The element that controls and is behind the thought, speech and action is our own mind; a mind which is filled with the want and desire. In Buddhism, this is termed ‘kilesa,’ and it consists of greed, anger and obsession. Take for example, a rich person who wishes to be even wealthier through any means while neglecting responsibility for any potential dangers that this may present to the world. Or in another scenario that demonstrates over-consumption or over-indulgence, is a person who turns on the air conditioner whether it is hot or cold. Thus, over-consuming and wastefully utilizing power and energy. The human mind is considered as the originator of all problems because every action, word, or thought originates first in the mind. Therefore, if we wish to solve the problems we need to start by focusing at their origin; we have to begin at our own mind. Doing so would lead to the most effective solution in protecting this world. To rectify problems derived from the human mind that is full of desires, the Lord Buddha states that one must first purify the mind through meditation, which is achieved through the elimination of all unwholesome desires, namely greed, anger, obsession and jealousy. These are the elements that influence the human mind and make people think, speak and act in manners that may be harmful to themselves and others and the environment. It is a cycle of actions that has repeated itself endlessly. So, a purified mind is one that possesses ‘Lok-Ka-Ban-Dhamma’ (Dhamma to protect the world). How can meditation purify the mind? This is an activity that has to be put into practice in order to appreciate. When we practice meditation, one will experience an inner happiness that arises when the mind is stilled at the center of the body or at the center of gravity. Whenever the mind is gently brought to a standstill continuously for at least 30 minutes, the practitioner will experience immense happiness and joy that they’ve never experienced before. This is the origin of the pure energy that comes with happiness and joy. Whenever someone is in this state of mind, they would never want to do harm to anybody, other living creatures, things and the environment. Whenever someone meditates until they reach the inner peace, they will feel a great sense of fulfillment. They would feel content and never want to take anything that is not theirs. A content mind will be one that is full of love and compassion for all living things. When everyone in the world feels this way, all the problems can be appropriately addressed and they will gradually be eliminated. Everybody will be more inspired to take better care of the environment and make this world a special place to live in. Representatives from Wat Phra Dhammakaya proposed and received approval from the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth to have April 22^nd of every year designated as Earth Day. This also comes with the motto of ‘Clean the World, Clean the Mind’ as a reflection on how the human mind is the most valuable and powerful natural resources. For this reason, our mind ought to be treated with the very best of care in order to maintain its radiance and purity. The Dhammakaya Foundation and Wat Phra Dhammakaya by most venerable Phrathepyanmahamuni ( Luang Por Dhammajayo), the abbot understand the importance of cultivating wholesomeness in human being - our natural resource. Their shared objective is to develop inner peace in the world and for all humankind. Therefore, on Earth Day of each year, Buddhist monks and thousands of Buddhists across Thailand gather to meditate together and spread the inner purity arising from meditation to protect the world and to preserve peace for a very long time. On 22nd April 2012 (2555 B.E.) there will be meditation and offering dedicate to Buddhist monks from more than 20,000 temples throughout the country of Thailand. In addition, there also will be the casting of the gold statue of the Most Venerable Phramongkolthepmuni (Sod Chandrasaro). Schedule of Earth Day 2012

• 08.40 Morning Chanting
• 09.30 Earth Day Morning meditation session led by Phrathepyanmahamuni ( Luang Por Dhammajayo ), the abbot
• 10.30 The grants support Offering to the teachers in four southern provinces
• 11.00 Meal Offering Ceremony
• 13.30 Earth Day Afternoon meditation session led by Phrathepyanmahamuni ( Luang Por Dhammajayo ), the abbot ; Special to spread the inner purity arising from meditation to protect the world
• 14.00 Ceremony of Dedicate offering over 20,000 Buddhist temples throughout the country and 286 Buddhist temple four southern provinces
• 18.00 Ceremony of the casting of Most Venerable Phra Mongkolthepmuni Gold statue
• 19.45 End of the ceremony

To Join the ceremony please contact Cindy 085-0266235 Dress : White or Top White