OCEAN OF COMPASSION BUDDHIST CENTER
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Plant a Tree Challenge

Ocean of Compassion is happy to support the Global Tree Initiative (GTI).

The GTI had it's embryonic start last November when Tenzin Osel wished out loud that he had some way of involving the whole global community in an offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Osel wanted something that people of all walks of life could engage in regardless of their religious beliefs or financial standing.
 
As Osel has a penchant for tree planting and as His Holiness has been campaigning for the environment since before the necessity became universally apparent, the Global Tree Initiative was hatched.
"... undefiled environments are many; for instance, a healthy tree purifies the air and supplies oxygen for living beings to breathe. It harmonizes the elements and increases life expectancy. Its shade provides a refreshing place to rest. It brings rain at the right time. It nourishes crops and livestock, and balances the temperature. It contributes to an attractive landscape and continually replenishes its surroundings. It brings about natural development in the spheres of education, economics and so forth.”
— His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama 
The GTI will be an ongoing campaign with tree offerings being made to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama each year on His Holiness’ birthday (July 6th).  A second set of tree offerings will be made to Lama Zopa Rinpoche each year on Lama Zopa’s birthday as well.
 
Our immediate goal is to offer 100,000 trees to His Holiness on His Holiness’ birthday this year (July 6, 2020).
His Holiness the Dalai Lama planting a tree
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Osel and Norbu planting a tree
Osel and Norbu
Ocean of Compassion
Ocean of Compassion

Who we are

Global Tree Initiative (GTI) is a grass roots international environmental campaign launched through a global community. Acting as a harmonious whole, we can achieve a greater result working together than could possibly be achieved acting individually. We are dedicating the fruits of our activities to the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the planet and all living beings including humanity. We hold out our hand as an invitation for you to join us.
Our immediate goal is to offer 100,000 trees to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on His Holiness’ birthday this year, and we need your help. If possible please, submit your tree planting numbers by June 26, 2020 for our July 6, 2020 offering.

How to get involved

Research: decide what kind of tree you are going to plant; will it be from seed or a sapling; what kind of care is required pre, during, and post planting?
Look into the benefits of planting native trees. Make sure the tree you choose is appropriate for the location in which you plan to plant.
Newly planted trees require a lot of extra love and care. During the first weeks, young trees need deep watering everyday. Please thoroughly research before you plant to ensure the longevity of your tree.

Mental preparation

Mentally prepare before you plant:
  1. Motivation: Set a good motivation for your tree planting activity.
    Imagine a better world not just for you and your family but for all living beings. Visualize a world free of inner and outer pollution; a peaceful, prosperous world without hatred, greed and confusion where the landscape is lush and verdant, fragrant flowers bloom, trees stand tall, animals thrive and humanity lives in harmony.
  2. Awareness: Maintain this awareness of your end goal throughout the process. Stay present. Be right where you are holding in your heart a wish for a better world starting right now with you and this seed.
  3. Dedicate: After planting and caring for your tree, mentally seal in the whole process.  Think, “May the world be a better place due to this tree planting activity” and include any of your personal dedicated wishes too.
  4. Delight in your efforts and celebrate. With this thought in your mind, ignite a feeling of joy in your heart. A Job well done!
    Allow this great feeling of joy and delight to swell from the depths of your heart. Your one individual action, coupled with the same individual actions done by thousands and millions around the planet contains the seeds that can change our world.

Share your experience

Share your Tree Planting Success with GTI here: plantgrowsave.org/reportnow

Please, remember to tell us your story. Upload photos and, or short videos of your planting experience. Be sure to include your permission to use your information in our Global Success Report, our website, and our social media platforms.

Alternatively, send an email to the North American GTI Coordinator, Amanda S. Russell at ​amanda@plantgrowsave.org, with the following information:
  • Who: Name of person who planted
  • What: Kind of tree and how many
  • Where: Location of tree or trees planted (address, city, country)
  • When: Date of planting
  • Why: Motivation for planting (dedication)

Check out the Global Tree Initiative Facebook page for our current updates and community projects:
https://www.facebook.com/plantgrowsave
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  • Home
  • Calendar
  • Programs
    • Discovering Buddhism
  • Media
    • Audio Archive
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  • Past Events
    • 2022
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    • 2020
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    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 1999-2012
  • About
    • Directions
    • Teachers
    • Visiting Teachers
    • Former Resident Teachers
    • Staff
    • Policies
  • How to Help
    • Membership Program
    • Volunteering
    • Wish List
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  • Contact
    • Prayer Request