seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Brazil
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Brazil
seen from Japan
seen from Finland
seen from Chile
seen from Yemen
seen from Singapore
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Yemen
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
Also:
This is Sami land, salmon waters, and reindeer land — “They have never made an agreement with the reindeer herders.”
This mining company would be dumping tons of toxic crap into Repparfjord & surrounding nature
We must be caretakers of our shared nature❤️
A new copper mine stirs controversies in northernmost Norway. We have visited the camp established by environmentalists and Sami activists w
Qualities That Define a Minimalist Person
A minimalist person is someone who adopts a lifestyle that focuses on simplicity and intentionally reduces the clutter, distractions, and excess in their lives. Here are some qualities that often define a minimalist person:
Simplicity: Minimalists prioritize simplicity in all aspects of their lives. They seek to simplify their possessions, daily routines, and commitments to create a sense of calm and clarity.
Intentionality: Minimalists are intentional about their choices. They carefully consider what they bring into their lives, whether it's physical possessions, relationships, or commitments. They focus on what truly adds value and eliminates what doesn't align with their priorities.
Decluttering: Minimalists actively declutter their physical spaces, getting rid of items they no longer need or find joy in. They understand that physical clutter can lead to mental clutter, and strive to create a clean and organized environment.
Mindfulness: Minimalists practice mindfulness and live in the present moment. They appreciate the simple pleasures of life, often finding joy in experiences rather than material possessions.
Frugality: Minimalists tend to be frugal and avoid unnecessary consumerism. They question the need for excessive spending and prioritize saving money for things that truly matter to them.
Environmental consciousness: Many minimalists are environmentally conscious and make choices that reduce their impact on the planet. They might prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly products, embrace minimal packaging, or reduce waste in their daily lives.
Detachment from material possessions: Minimalists do not attach their self-worth or happiness to material possessions. They understand that true happiness comes from within and focus on cultivating meaningful relationships, personal growth, and experiences.
Time and energy prioritization: Minimalists value their time and energy. They avoid activities, commitments, and relationships that drain them or don't align with their values. They prioritize activities that bring them joy, personal growth, and fulfillment.
Quality over quantity: Minimalists value quality over quantity. They prefer owning a few high-quality items that they truly cherish rather than accumulating a large number of mediocre possessions.
Focus on personal growth: Minimalists often prioritize personal growth and self-improvement. They strive to simplify their lives to create space and time for learning, pursuing hobbies, and developing meaningful connections.
It's important to note that minimalism is a personal journey, and individuals may embrace these qualities to varying degrees. Minimalism can be tailored to suit an individual's needs, values, and circumstances.
"US states sue Trump over his move to scrap greenhouse gases ruling"
Good! Resist the snoring orange... Heal the world! 💚
The lawsuit seeks to overturn the Trump administration's reversal last month of the 2009 ruling that underpins all US policies aimed at lowe
Ecology through the Lens of Githa at United Nations
Ecology through the Lens of Githa at United Nations describes a keynote address by HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji at the UN in Geneva. It delves into environmental protection through the principles of Dharma, as outlined in the Bhagavad Githa. The core message emphasizes that caring for natural elements ("deva" like air, water, soil, and sunlight) is essential for our well-being, as taught in Verse 3.11 of the Bhagavad Githa. The discussion advocates for respectful coexistence with nature, living within limits, and serving all beings, rather than exploiting resources out of greed. This approach suggests treating nature and all beings as a divine blessing, uniting all living beings under this principle.
Ecology Through the Lens of Githa at United Nations
There are many environmental activists around the world today who are working to protect and preserve nature and the rights of other living beings. While they share a common goal, each has a different focus area and approach to implementation. In such a scenario, can we inspire a unified global movement rooted in dharma?
What is dharma?
dhri:yathe: dha:rayathi
an activity that you initially understand and practice, and later the same supports you
Dharma refers to a set of practices that, when followed correctly and in the appropriate order, ultimately support the purpose of the practitioner(s). For example: you practice walking with some effort as a child, you put your time and energy into learning it and mastering it. After growing up, it is supporting you to do many activities. If you practice eating correctly, it will protect your health later. However, if the practice of eating is not properly learned and implemented —such as what, how, where, and when to eat—it may not support you but instead harm you.
Bhagavad Githa is the ultimate source of all dharma. Verse 3.11 says…
deva:n bha:vayatha:ne:na
take care of the powers called de:va, invisible energies in nature
the: de:va: bha:vayanthu vaha |
let them take care of you
parasparam bha:vayanthaha
both of you benefit from each other
sre:yah param ava:psyattha ||
this is solution for the overall and ultimate well-being
Sri Krishna used the term de:va to refer to the invisible indwelling energies of natural elements such as air, water, soil, and sunlight—forces that provide essential life support. The verse explains the core founding principle of Ecology that we all must understand. He is advising us to clearly take care of them and that they will in-turn take care of us - thus fostering overall well-being.
How do we take care of them?
Not exploiting them beyond our needs. Everyone in life depends on or utilizes others—whether people or resources—for their survival. A baby exploits the mother for milk. A partner exploits the other for pleasure. It is mutual and an exchange of compassion and love only when it stays in a limit. Beyond that, it becomes intolerable for the other. Therefore, taking care of nature means living within your limits—using resources only for your genuine needs, not for greed or luxury.
One may wonder how we reached the situation where we are currently exploiting the nature for meeting our greed - it could be ACs that we run, the luxury products etc?
There must be some wrong thought seeded in our minds for over centuries which drifted us away from the wonderful guiding principle as explained by Lord Krushna above.
What is the mistaken belief that led us astray?
The wrong thought seeded in our minds for generations is the most commonly believed principle “Serving humanity is serving God”.
Believing that serving humanity is equivalent to serving God, we began exploiting nature—not just to meet basic needs, but also to fulfill ever-growing human greed. Gradually, we have reached a state where the exploitation crossed limits in many ways putting everyone’s life on earth in risk and in danger for various illnesses and worries.
Ask yourselves the following questions…
Who is cutting trees?
Who is killing animals?
Who is killing birds?
Who is spoiling the soil?
Who is contaminating the water?
Who is polluting the air?
Who is speaking lies?
It’s us, the humans.
Do you still think serving humanity is serving God?
Based on the verse Lord Krushna explained, we must reconstruct the mistaken belief and seed the right thought into our minds. We must treat nature with respect as a divine blessing bestowed by mother Earth upon human beings. Hence, we must treat everyone and everything with respect and serve them [How to serve them - refer to - ‘How do we take care of them?’ section above].
Serve all beings as service to God! Let this principle unite us ecologically, connecting not just humans but all living beings through the eternal bond we share.
This is the principle that we all must follow and practice.
This is not a request. Nor is it a suggestion. It is a command.
From the address of the keynote speaker, HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
Environmental Consciousness, Conflict Avoidance and Dharma Traditions
Room XXI, Palais des Nations - UN, Geneva, Switzerland
11th July 2025
The talk and panel discussion was organized by the UN University for Peace, UN Environment Programme, Jeeyar Educational Trust and Dharma Alliance.
HE David Fernandez Puyana, the permanent observer of the United Nations University of Peace said…
“I do not know what to say about His Holiness Chinna Jeeyar Swami.
His energy radiates lot of great things…
In Him, I see and gather…
Commitment, Frugality, Kindness, Compassion, Wisdom, Tranquility, Calm, Faith, Humility, Sacredness, Resilience, Passion, Inspiration
Thank you for your thoughts, your words, your vision, and for your presence in this life.”
Panelists
Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Director, Faith for Earth Coalition, UNEP
Prof. P.B. Anand, Professor of Public Policy & Sustainability, University of Bradford, UK
Nora Lucia Caro Cabanillas, Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID)
Prof. Alessandra Consolaro, Bhagvan Adinath Jain Studies Programme, University of Turin, Italy
HE David Fernandez Puyana, Ambassador and Permanent Observer, University for Peace
Prof. Jaya Krishnakumar, Professor Emeritus, University of Geneva
Damodara Priya Dasi, Deity-Worship Ministry for Germany and Austria, ISKCON
Dr. Prashant Sharma, Dharma Alliance
Acharya Vidyabhaskar, Omkarananda Ashram, Winterthur, Switzerland
The panelists said, “Highest representative of Hindu dharma to ever come to Switzerland…”
Client Demands and Architectural Response: Navigating Environmental Consciousness
The intertwining narratives of Stirling's innovative car park ventilation system at the Staats Galerie and Lutyens' shadow play at Britannic House reveal the intricate dance between client demands and architectural response, all against the backdrop of environmental consciousness. Stirling's approach, characterized by the incorporation of loose stones, reflects a client-driven need for practical yet eco-conscious solutions, emblematic of contemporary climate awareness imperatives. In contrast, Lutyens' manipulation of shadows in his design for Britannic House speaks to the client's desire to convey corporate identity within the oil industry.
In this context, the Altes Museum of Berlin emerges as a thought-provoking reference point for architects seeking a sense of direction in both their architecture and their relationship with the planet. As a symbol of cultural heritage and architectural innovation, the Altes Museum embodies the timeless principles of balance, harmony, and sustainability that are essential for addressing the climate crisis.
This convergence underscores the pivotal role of the client-architect relationship in shaping architectural narratives. Whether addressing automotive infrastructure or petroleum resources, the architect is tasked with balancing functional requirements with broader environmental and cultural considerations. As architects navigate these complexities, they must strive to harmonize client demands with sustainable design principles, driving innovation amidst evolving societal needs and environmental challenges.
With how the world is developing, the environment is slowly degrading. It's time people practice a sense of environmental consciousness.
Author Thomas F. McLoughlin and countless other authors have regularly used the environment and its different facets as their art’s muses. From scenery representations in drawings and paintings to environmental narratives and the use of such in their stories, the environment has always offered its atemporal charm for the public’s gaze and scrutiny. However, these art pieces don’t simply exist for the sake of entertainment. Between books and paintings, they weren’t just intricately crafted for basic appreciation. Often, they’re created to raise environmental consciousness and make people aware of how important it is to take care of their surroundings...
