No One Owns the Earth

Before, nature had a life and spirit of its own. The trees, skies, and rivers were living spirits. Now we are only concerned with how they can serve us.

According to traditional biographies, Gautama Buddha had a special relationship with trees. He was born among trees in Lumbini Grove, when his mother went into premature labor. Later, when he left home on his spiritual quest, he went into the forest, where he studied with spiritual teachers and engaged in ascetic practices. Finally, he meditated under the Bodhi tree, where he awakened. Afterwards he continued to spend most of his time outdoors, often teaching under trees and eventually dying between two trees.

The Buddha’s