KHORYUG (Environment in the Tibetan language) is the short form for the newly launched Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyob Tsokpa, a network of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries which have jointly made the commitment to help protect the Himalayan region from environmental degradation.
KHORYUG was created by His Holiness, the Seventeenth Karmapa, Ogyen Thinley Dorje, during the 2nd Kagyu Conference on Environmental Protection in October 2009. On the occasion, His Holiness said:
In order to save the Himalayas and Tibet from the threats of deforestation, climate change, and pollution, we have to be full of courage and believe whole heartedly that this endeavor is winnable. The alternative is unthinkable.
He then suggested the name KHORYUG, a word that would remind everyone of what forms the basis of all life. He concluded by saying that Buddhist monasteries and centers that make commitments to protect the environment should feel that their projects are an evolution from enlightened aspiration to enlightened activity.
This website is designed to provide information and updates on the monastery projects within KHORGYUG as well as environment-related updates from His Holiness himself. We hope that the website is a useful resource for anyone looking for environmental solutions in the Himalayas and the Tibetan region.
Seven months after the launch of the forestation project at Gaya Airport, Tergar Monastery has begun planting the majority of tree saplings in partnership with the Gaya Airport Authority in the allocated area. We hope that this brings pleasure to...
At Pullahari Monastery, seat of H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, we are putting in much effort to create and maintain a clean, healthy and beautiful environment which uplifts the mind and nourishes the body as well as contributing to the global effort...
Quote from the Tibetan Sangha’s Eco-forum:
“At 8:00AM today, on it’s founding anniversary, the Tesi Environmental Awareness Movement … announced this year’s Tesi Environmental Service Award to Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyob Tsokpa (Environmental Protection Organization). Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyob Tsokpa (RKST) is an association of Kagyu Buddhist monasteries that help protect the Himalayan region from environmental degradation under the leadership of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. RKST consists of thirty-six monasteries across India, Nepal and Bhutan that are working together to help create an environmental awakening in the Himalayas about the importance of forest protection, water conservation, wildlife preservation, climate change adaptation and waste management.
In the last two years, Gyalwang Karmapa has called for environmental commitments from Kagyu monasteries, nunneries and centers, and organised two major environmental conferences. With unwavering faith in His Holiness Karmapa, [the] Kagyu Sangha has done outstanding work in environmental conservation; from tree planting, to mass cleanup, to environmental education. Environmental resource materials as well as activities of all the Centres [can be] found [on] their website www.Khoryug.com.”
Quote from the TESI website (http://www.ecotibet.org)
TEAM is honoured to present this year’s TESA to *Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyab Tsokpa* and is blessed and deeply appreciative of being able to share our goal of promoting environmental awareness with His Holiness Karmapa. Tesi Environmental Awareness Movement is a registered non-profit environmental organization based in Dharamsala with a mission to revive the ecological consciousness of the Tibetan people.
Tsering Yangkey, Executive Director of TESI, introduces the award
Tibetan Sangha Ecoforum
Khenpo Kesang Nyima and Khenpo Tenzin Namgyal accept the award on behalf of His Holiness and Khoryug
