Chinese Mongolian living Buddha engaged in environmental protection

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 ◆ Chinese Mongolian living Buddha engaged in environmental protection

The Chinese Mongolian herdsmen nearby have begun to observe an old man leading several lamas to plant trees since last spring in the Muus Desert, one of the four deserts in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The old man turned out to be Arabten Daorji, 68, a living Buddha in Uxinzhao Town of Uxin Banner in Inner Mongolia's Ordos City. He became "Gegen" (the Mongolian word for living Buddha) of the town at the age of 3.

Uxinzhao Town was home to a large Tibetan Buddhist temple during the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620). Covered by dense trees and grass, the town once boasted 209 Buddhist towers and over 1,000 lamas.

However, the environment began deteriorating in the 1960s as the climate changed significantly. Desertification intensified and encroached upon the historic forest, and the residents responded by beginning to plant trees.

Having led lamas in tree-planting activities for 17 years, last spring the living Buddha signed a contract with the local government to improve 300 hectares of desert, where they have thus far planted 180,000 shrubs able to subsist in sand.

"Forestation is the only way to ensure our town's survival," said Daorji, "and more importantly, it will benefit future generations of Chinese Mongolians. We should continue planting trees to make our town an infinite place."

According to an official in Uxin Banner's forestry bureau, the living Buddha has planted 30 hectares this year.

"Although busy planting trees, we still have enough time for our regular religious activities." said the living Buddha, "After everyday's reading of Buddhist Scripture, I often begin other work."

Deeply touched by Daorji's persistent efforts in environmental protection, a local resident said: "The living Buddha has set a good example for the people, which will encourage herdsmen to become involved in environmental protection."