Dharma Rain: Sources of Buddhist Environmentalism (2000-02-23) [Paperback]

by Stephanie Kaza

A comprehensive collection of classic texts, contemporary interpretations, guidelines for activists, issue-specific information, and materials for environmentally-oriented religious practice. Sources and contributors include Basho, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Gary Snyder, Chögyam Trungpa, Gretel Ehrlich, Peter Mathiessen, Helen Tworkov (editor of Tricycle), and Philip Glass.

Genres: Buddhism, Environment, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy

Unknown Binding

First published February 8, 2000

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I only read part of this but I had to come over here and mark it as read bc oh my god. Oh my GOD. the chapter on vegetarianism as practice? Holy smokes guys. Holy HECK. This is gonna,, rewire my purity-culture-addled brain a bit. Ohooo. OHOOOO. IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A TEXT LIKE THIS FOR A GOOD LONG WHILE AND AT LONG LAST HERE IT IS

[Tom Booker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the best section was the one addressing challenges in thought.

While it's clear that a moderate and even ascetic/austere lifestyle that Buddhism promotes is good for the environment, I do wonder whether buddhist environmentalism is really a thing, or is it just there are buddhists who are also environmentalists. This reminds me a bit of the book zig zag zen (but for psychedelics), except that book at least had more critical essays.

Some of the chapters are quite dry and descriptive e.g. on challenges in Buddhist countries. However, this book will definitely appeal to those who seems express their spirituality through service to others.

[Gemma Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection for Buddhists who are concerned about the environment. I think section 6, Challenges In Buddhist Thought and Action, has aged less well than the rest of the book and suffers from the lack of diversity of the contributors. But there are some great pieces in here, especially those by Joanna Macy and Thich Nhat Hanh. I loved Gary Synder's Smokey the Bear sutra, and the selections from the scriptures and jatakas that open the collection are well chosen. It ends with a really helpful collection of readings and recitations to support activists' spiritual practice.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the start of the book much more than the middle and end, which lacked diversity and is much worse off for it.

[Chris Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully curated compilation of material about Buddhism and environmentalism spanning centuries, voices, and philosophies. Great resource.

[lynna · Rating 5 out of 5]

and essential book for the enlightened environmentalist.

[Artie · Rating 4 out of 5]

good selections of ancient and contemporary writings on how all thigns relate to a healthy environment.