Following on the heels of the resounding success in 2020 of the global project to accumulate recitations of the Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha,* conceived by the revered Bhutanese lama, teacher, filmmaker, and author Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, organizer Siddhartha’s Intent India has announced that its global Dharma Initiative for 2021 to plant 84,000 trees has already passed the halfway mark.

“Hi, Hello, Halo, 你好, Bonjour to all fellow followers and admirers of a man called Buddha and his teachings, and also to those who simply have some curiosity about him,” the project organizers shared in a recent social media message. “It’s been six months now since the launch of Bhumisparsha 2021 – Planting 84,000 trees. We’re very happy to announce that by 1 September 2021, we have collected 44,531 trees from our goal!

Bhumisparsha: 84,000 Trees, part of a series of coordinated global initiatives collected under the theme Bhumisparsha: Touching the Earth for the benefit of “the Earth, for humanity, for animals, and for all sentient beings,” was launched in early 2021 with the objective of reaching 84,000 individual plantings—representing the number of teachings Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have given.

“This year we pay homage to and continue celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha and Bhumisparsha by collectively planting 84,000 trees!” Siddhartha’s Intent India explained. “Trees come in all shapes and sizes and are found in almost every part of the world. It is important to select trees that will flourish in the location that you choose to plant them. Please help select the right tree for your location by doing a little research before planting. Native species are recommended as a good option!” (Siddhartha’s Intent India)

Siddhartha’s Intent was first formed in Australia in 1986. It is now an international collective of Buddhist groups supporting Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s Buddhadharma activities by organizing teachings and retreats, distributing and archiving recorded teachings, transcribing, editing, and translating manuscripts and practice texts, with a global community committed to continual study and practice.

“Planting a tree with friends and family is a fun activity to do that will help nurture the environment around us and successfully make the Earth a little greener and healthier—so we will all be able to enjoy the benefits for years to come!” Siddhartha’s Intent India shared. “Once you have planted your tree or trees send in a photo and information with what kind of trees and where it was planted and the number of trees you have planted to our submissions team at [email protected] or this google form.” (Siddhartha’s Intent India)

Click here for more details on Bhumisparsha (2021): 84,000 Trees

In the spirit of mindful and skillful participation, Siddhartha’s Intent India also offers some words of wisdom for prospective tree-planters: 84,000 Trees: Here is some useful information to consider before planting a tree

Born in Bhutan in 1961, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is the son of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and was a close student of the Nyingma master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–91). He is recognized as the third incarnation of the 19th century Tibetan terton Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, founder of the Khyentse lineage, and the immediate incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893–1959). In addition to Siddhartha’s Intent, his projects and initiatives include Khyentse Foundation, established in 2001 to promote the Buddha’s teaching and support all traditions of Buddhist study and practice; 84000, a non-profit global initiative to translate the words of the Buddha and make them available to all; Lotus Outreach, which directs a wide range of projects to help refugees; and more recently The Lhomon Society, which promotes sustainable development in Bhutan through education.

Rinpoche is the author of several books, including: What Makes You Not a Buddhist (2006), Not For Happiness (2012), The Guru Drinks Bourbon? (2016), and Poison is Medicine: Clarifying the Vajrayana (2021), and has garnered renown inside and outside of the global Buddhist community for the feature-length films he has written and directed: The Cup (1999), Travellers and Magicians (2004), Vara: A Blessing (2012), and Hema Hema: Sing Me a Song While I wait (2016).

* Bhumisparsha: Global Shakyamuni Buddha Mantra Accumulation Poised to Top 500 Million Recitations (Buddhistdoor Global)

See more

Siddhartha’s Intent India
Bhumisparsha (2021): 84,000 Trees (Siddhartha’s Intent India)
84,000 Trees: Here is some useful information to consider before planting a tree (Siddhartha’s Intent India)
Bhumisparsha (Facebook)

Related news reports from Buddhistdoor Global

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Welcomes 2021 with Global Gathering, Announces Bhumisparsha Project to Continue
Bhumisparsha: Global Shakyamuni Buddha Mantra Accumulation Poised to Top 500 Million Recitations
Bhumisparsha: Global Shakyamuni Mantra Accumulation Surges Past 100 Million Recitations
The Filmmaker and the Musician: Dzongsar Khyenste Rinpoche Collaborates with Kanho Yakushiji for Global Mantra Accumulation
Bhumisparsha: Global Shakyamuni Mantra Accumulation Reaches 4.7 Million Recitations
Update: Lighting the Mahabodhi Project Draws Closer to Completion

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