“Our world is facing an environmental crisis which is complex, overwhelming and affects us all, but it is difficult to know where to begin and what we can do. It is very important for all of us to change our behavior and we need to start taking practical steps.” – His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje
As Buddhists, we make aspiration prayers for all sentient beings. This should also include the Earth, which sustains us and gives us life. We can pray for a more harmonious world where humans recognize how their actions have harmed the Earth and change their behaviour.
Our vision, supported by His Holiness the Karmapa is to create an environmentally friendly wilderness retreat where wildlife and nature will flourish for a contemplative community to enjoy.
Khenpo Karma Tenkyong and Jeff Ward Plant a Tree June 2017
Permaculture
We are designing the land of Karma Samadhi Ling to be in balance with the supporting natural resources. Director Nick Adamson-Jones, a permaculture specialist, has walked the land in spring and winter, mapping and beginning an assessment according to permaculture principles. We are situated within a mixed forest ecosystem and close to the Bras D’Or Biosphere reserve.
Green Building Techniques
Advising us on green building techniques is our director Terry Henderson who created his nearby Big Hill Retreat cabins using wood from his land. We are still at the early stages of planning, however in keeping with permaculture principles, a thorough sustainability plan is being developed first.
Woodlot Management Plan
Forest management at Samadhi Ling is guided by our advisor, Scott Noble, who is a professional forester. Scott has mapped out the trails on the land, and on his recommendation, we became a member of the Cape Breton Woodlot Owners Association. In September 2017 we had a woodlot management plan completed and those maps are invaluable now as we explore the property further.
Ecological Assessment
A professional ecologist walked the land in the summer of 2019 and assessed the flora and fauna and checked for endangered species. He suggested we speak with Natural Resources Nova Scotia and put in a request that the adjacent crown lands be declared a nature reserve to protect those sensitive species. This would also help protect our land from further development on one of its boundaries.
Development of Trails and Gardens
We have created clearings and trails on the land. Maintenance of the walking trails on the land is a priority in these early stages, as well as developing an interpretative trail to highlight the traditional First Nations uses of the trees and plants. We plan to begin guided contemplative wilderness walks and forest bathing events this fall.
A Beacon of Light
Since the root cause of many environmental problems can be traced to problematic human behaviour, programs that evoke mindfulness, awareness and inner balance will always be a part of the Karma Samadhi Ling experience. Sustainability is a part of our charitable purpose, protecting the environment and creating a nature park to support the contemplative practices of meditation.
108 Things to Do for the Environment
A set of guidelines for individual Buddhist practitioners was produced by His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa. The guidelines, which have been adopted by Buddhist centers worldwide, relate to protecting forests and wildlife; conserving rivers, lakes and wetlands; conserving water in a monastery; adopting green design; saving
energy; adapting to climate change; and managing waste.