The news was saying that there was a big earthquake happening in Bhutan this afternoon, in the Munggar region of Bhutan. You all can write to Khamtrul Rinpoche and Thuksey Rinpoche in Bhutan to give them some support and encouragement in helping the victims and deceased families with the Live to Love in mind. I am sure many people have been affected by this earthquake. I read in the latest news that about 10 people were killed in the earthquake. That's really very sad thing. Anyway, in the name of Live to Love, I am sure all our spiritual family members will send prayers and help to our friends there in Bhutan.
This is why I have been saying that we should reduce the use of non-biodegradable things like "Plastic Bags" which are creating a lot of junks in the environment. Earthquake, drought, forest fire and all these horrible disasters are caused by our irresponsible way of being earth citizens. This is our ignorance and our selfishness that are causing so much pain and damage to others and eventually to ourselves. We are really blind, in this sense.
Today, I was in one of the supermarkets in Kathmandu valley, on the top floor, there was a huge sign saying "Say No To Plastic Bags" and then on the ground floor, everyone was using so many plastic bags, like nobody's business. Of course it is so convenient, but it's so dangerous for the environment. Environment protection is now like a fashion statement, many people and many religious organisations come up with books and chapters about protecting environment and how to do this and that, but I am a simple man, I cannot think of very complicated way of doing things. So 2 things I am always nagging, one is planting trees and two is "Say No To Plastic Bags". Even in remote areas in Ladakh, during the Pad Yatra, I myself picked up no less than a few hundred pieces of empty plastic mineral bottles, empty alcohol bottles, many pieces of chewing gum wrappers, many pieces of plastic bags. It was very sad for me. So can you imagine in a crowded city like Kathmandu, how messy it is to have so many rubbish.
Anyway, as I said, to make things simple, 2 things to do, plant more trees and try your best not to use plastic bags; if there is no choice, keep reusing it. I cannot tell others in the world what to do and what not to do, but I know that my friends and students always fulfill my wish, this is something that I really appreciate from the depth of my heart. So collectively, our very small community can at least do something as responsible human beings. Let us LIVE TO LOVE with practical activities.
Lastly, I am sending with this message, my prayers and love to all of my friends and my sons (Khamtrul Rinpoche, Thuksey Rinpoche, Khamdag Rinpoche and others) in Bhutan.
