As dignitaries gather in Paris for the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where a delegation of Buddhists plans to submit a landmark call from senior Buddhist leaders urging the world's politicians to address the causes of climate change,* Bhutan is making its own strides in pushing environmental stewardship to the forefront with an innovative recycling initiative that is aimed at diverting the plastic waste that is overburdening its landfills.

Lhasa, Tibet (China) -- The rate of warming at the Tibetan plateau – the third largest concentration of ice after the south and north poles – is two times greater than the global average, observed a top Buddhist monk who is also an environmentalist. The river systems that flow from the Tibetan plateau go to countries like India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Korea will be among the guests at an international gathering to promote and showcase the culture and treasures of the ancient Gandharan civilization in Pakistan next March. Buddhist monks, scholars, and practitioners from Bhutan, China, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand, as well as Korea and other countries, are expected to attend the event, which is jointly hosted by the Tourism Ministry and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. Visits to sites in Taxila, Swat, and the northern areas will be among the highlights.

New research conducted at Britain’s University of Sussex has shown that a single session of just seven minutes of loving-kindness meditation—the Buddhist practice of cultivating unconditional love and compassion for oneself and other sentient beings—is effective at reducing racial prejudice in the practitioner.

This year’s recipients of the Khyentse Foundation Award for Excellence in Buddhist Studies have now been announced. Every year, the foundation provides US$1,000 to 10 universities on 4 continents to encourage excellence in Buddhist academia (plans are currently under way to expand this number to 15 universities), with the winners being chosen by the departments that manage Buddhist Studies in those universities. According to the Khyentse Foundation’s website, “In the grand scheme of academic expenses, $1,000 is not a huge sum, but it is our way of showing respect for the good intentions and hard work these students are investing in their studies. Many have expressed how this gesture of encouragement has been a positive influence.”

A set of stone Buddha footprints (Buddhapada in Sanskrit) found at a newly discovered Buddhist archaeological site in Kadapa District, in the southeastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is believed to be the biggest ever identified in southern India. The Buddhapada were reported by Ramakrishna Reddy, a transport conductor for Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corp. (APSRTC), after conducting a survey at the site. The find was subsequently verified by archaeologist Dr. E. Siva Nagi Reddy.

In the wake of last Friday’s coordinated bombings and shootings in Paris in which 129 people died, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a longtime vocal peace advocate, has called on individuals to take personal responsibility for bringing about peace in the world, rather than looking outside for help from God or governments.

Renowned Buddhist scholar, Dharma teacher, author, and gender activist Rita M. Gross passed away at her home in Wisconsin on Wednesday, following a stroke in late October.

Further details have been reported on the expulsion of Buddhist nuns in late September from Jada Gaden Khachoeling Nunnery in Driru County, Naqu Prefecture, in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The latest information indicates that a total of 106 nuns were turned out of the nunnery in Pekar Township and their residences destroyed by state authorities led by Driru County official Sangay Tashi.

The respected teacher and master of the Karma Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche has returned to Tergar Monastery in Bodh Gaya, India, after a four-year solitary retreat wandering in the Himalayas. A statement dated 2 November on the website of the Tergar Meditation Community of global meditation centers, which was founded by Mingyur Rinpoche, announced: “We are absolutely delighted to inform you that Mingyur Rinpoche has emerged from his retreat! We were overjoyed to receive this news earlier today. As we learn more details about his plans and activities we will keep you updated.” (Tergar Learning Community)