A Green Environment for Now and the Future

In the past, the major need of people in this world was arable land. Man did not have to think about
animate things. However, now the adverse effects on forests through over-population and the
development of various chemical elements in the atmosphere have led to irregular rainfall and global
warming. This global warming has brought changes in climate, including making perennial snow
mountains melt, thereby adversely affecting not only human beings but also other living species.

Because of the growth in the population, a large number of trees are cut for fuel, and to reclaim land for
agricultural cultivation. In the case of Tibet, too, the Chinese have now destroyed its ancient trees in a
similar way to shaving a man's hair off. This is not simply the destruction of trees but it also means
harming what belongs to the Tibetans. Similarly, the continuing decline in forests in many parts of the
world, including America, is adversely affecting the already changing global climate, thus upsetting the
lives, not only of mankind, but also of all living beings.

Since I too have a responsibility in this matter, (i.e. to work for the protection of the environment and to
see that the present and future generations of mankind can make use of refreshing shade and fruits of
trees), I bought these seeds of fruit-bearing" trees with part of my Nobel Peace Prize money to be
distributed now, to people representing different regions (all the continents of the world are represented
here) during this Kalachakra gathering. These seeds have been kept near the Kalachakra mandala for
purification and blessings. Since these include seeds of apricot, walnut, papaya, guava, etc., suitable for
planting under varying geographical conditions, experts in respective places 'should be consulted on their
planting and care and, thus, you all should see my sincere aspiration is fulfilled.

This speech was made during the Kalachakra Initiation at Sarnath. India on December 29. 1990 when His
Holiness distributed seeds of fruit-bearing trees to encourage environmental protection through planting.