INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CONFEDERATION STATEMENT OF

PURPOSE Sept 12, 2013

From the 1st Founding Members Conclave of the IBC, New Delhi

The modern environmental crisis is rooted in human motivation and behavior.

It is driven by ever increasing consumption, the belief that more material
possessions will lead to greater happiness, and a lack of mindfulness about the
consequences of our actions. Technical solutions are not enough. The
environmental crisis, which we have created, requires a moral and ethical
response. It is critical that we draw on the collective wisdom of the Buddhist
traditions and the moral influence of Buddhist leaders and institutions to
address the root causes of the environmental crisis and respond to the emerging
effects.
Buddhist insights and teachings on suffering and happiness, causality,
interdependence, and compassion can contribute to the personal and collective
changes that are needed to address the climate crisis. Increasing material
possessions, economic growth, and rising consumption levels are considered
modern economic indicators of human progress, but beyond the satisfaction of
basic needs, increasing consumption does not lead to greater happiness or
wellbeing. In fact, the compulsion to consume more and more is an expression
of craving, the root cause of suffering. Helping people become more aware of
causality and the consequences of their actions is a critical part of reducing our
environmental impact.
Buddhist leaders have a responsibility not only to teach, but also to lead through
personal change and practical action. In order to reduce our impact on the
global environment, our expectations and our lifestyles must change.
Environmental mindfulness and environmental responsibility must be
considered a form of Buddhist practice. Buddhist leaders could compose prayers
and sadhanas to include environmental contemplation and action in daily
Buddhist practice of their disciples and students. Buddhist leaders and
institutions must provide an example to guide and inspire others.
Recommendations
The International Buddhist Confederation should establish a structure to
focus on environmental issues. This could be a Permanent Standing
Committee on the Environment or an International Buddhist Environmental
Council.
The Environment Council or Committee under the IBC should:

1. Issue a statement on climate change that endorses renewable energy,

encourages Buddhist divestment from fossil fuels, and promotes
environmentally sustainable lifestyles as a form of Buddhist practice
2. Bring together Buddhists working on environmental issues so they can
develop a united voice. Coordinate online exchange and a conference on
Buddhism and the Environment.
3. Identify priority issues and develop policies or position statements on each
of these priority issues.
4. Develop Buddhist ecological leadership training materials in simple
language that is easily translatable and accessible to non-scientists.
5. Complement and support on-going efforts in member countries. Compile
resource materials and case studies on environmental issues, best practices,
and initiatives by member institutions and make this information widely
available.
6. Assess the environmental impact of modern Buddhist rituals and recommend
alternatives for rituals and practices that have a negative environmental
impact (e.g. live release of fish and birds, use of plastics)
7. Assist the IBC Governing Body and Secretariat to ensure IBC operations and
future IBC conferences or meetings are conducted in an environmentally
responsible manner.
8. Assist the IBC Heritage Preservation and Development Committee to
integrate environmental best practices into future plans for holy sites and
pilgrimages.