On December 29, 2007, His Holiness talked movingly about protecting the environment in a speech in Bodhgaya:
"There is a new logo for
the Monlam this year, and I would like to explain it.
"Throughout my life I have
always felt that the outer natural elements
and my own mind are close. I have a special connection with the four
elements. I am not being superstitious and saying I can talk to the
elements, but sometimes it feels that way.
A new logo of the Kagyu Monlam designed by His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
"Ever
since the human race first appeared on this earth, we have used this
earth heavily. It is said that ninety-nine percent of the resources and
so on in this world come from the natural environment. We are using the
earth until she is used up. The earth has given us immeasurable
benefit, but what have we done for the earth in return? We always ask
for something from the earth, but never give her anything back.
"We never have loving or protective thoughts for the earth. Whenever
trees or anything else emerge from the ground, we cut them down. If
there is a bit of level earth, we fight over it. To this day we
perpetuate a continuous cycle of war and conflict over it. In fact, we
have not done much of anything for the earth.
"Now the time has come when the earth is scowling at us; the time has
come when the earth is giving up on us. The earth is about to treat us
badly and give up on us. If she gives up on us, where can we live?
There is talk of going to other planets that could support life, but
only a few rich people could go. What would happen to all of us
sentient beings who could not go?
"What should we do now that the situation has become so critical? The
sentient beings living on the earth and the elements of the natural
world need to join their hands together—the earth must not give up on
sentient beings, and sentient beings must not give up on the earth.
Each needs to grasp the other’s hand. So doesn’t the Monlam logo look
like two hands clasping each other?
"Its shape is also similar to the design of the Sixteenth Gyalwang
Karmapa’s Dream Flag of peace and serenity, which is used regularly
among the Karma Kamtsang. If I were to make up everything myself, I
doubt it would have any blessings, but using the previous Karmapa’s
design as a model probably gives this blessings.
"This is a symbol of the Kagyu Monlam. We hold the Kagyu Monlam for the
benefit of the entire world. We will not give up on the earth! May
there be peace on earth! May the earth be sustained for many thousands
of years! These are the prayers we make at the Kagyu Monlam, which is
why this symbol is the logo of the Kagyu Monlam. I also think this
might become a symbol of people having affection for the earth and
wanting to protect it.
"Now I will boast a bit. As I mentioned before, I am the one who
designed this logo. I have the strong feeling that I am connected to
the natural elements. Technological devices do not agree with me. I
feel most comfortable using natural things. When I use technological
devices, my body feels rather uncomfortable, although I have no choice
but to use them.
"Both the body and mind are strongly connected to the unaltered,
natural elements. Because I made this logo, I think it could probably
provide some protection against dangers from the natural elements of
the external world. But do not think that this logo alone will protect
you: if you jump into fire or water while wearing it, you will still
die. It is first and foremost a symbol that we are not giving up on the
earth.
"Thank you"