Childhood Memories of Clean Air in the Himalayas
Growing up in my hometown, situated in the Himalayan region, I never questioned the air I breathed. It was clean and pure. Traffic was minimal, and only a few families owned any cars. Most people walked or relied on public transportation. Our sky was always clear, and the mountains beautifully stood with scenic, white snow peaks throughout the year. However, over my lifetime, I have seen this image change dramatically. The “Land of Dakinis” or “Angel’s Land,” as we affectionately call it, used to be a quiet town. Now, it has become a bustling commercial hub and a tourist destination. With increased traffic and development, pollution has followed, and the once-clear view is now obscured by smog, especially in the summer during tourist season.
Environmental Changes in My Hometown
One of the most heartbreaking changes I have witnessed is the disappearance of the glaciers. These majestic white guardians are shrinking rapidly. Now, winters are not predictable as they were before, and snowfall has become less frequent and intense. When I was a child, winter was synonymous with snow. Now, it’s uncertain.
Thankfully, in response to this air pollution, I’ve also seen my community take some positive environmental steps. I have seen my parents’ generation speaking about the dangers of plastic, and their awareness contributed to a complete ban on single-use plastics in our state. It makes me wonder—if we can talk about plastic pollution and bring change, why not begin the conversation about the impact of air pollution too?
Daily Life and Air Quality at the Monastery
Life at the monastery in South India brings its own set of environmental challenges. Our common kitchen is massive, designed to serve thousands of monks. Although we try to use LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas), its high cost often makes us rely on firewood. There are many monks working in the kitchen every day, constantly breathing in the harmful byproducts of burning wood, which can cause serious cardiovascular and respiratory effects upon long-term exposure. Cooking, incense burning, smoke prayers, and occasional traffic near the monastery all contribute to air pollution. These daily smoke practices contribute silently to poor air quality, and most monks are unaware of their long-term impact to both their health and the environment. Additionally, every morning, monks gather in the prayer hall where the space fills with incense smoke. They have no idea that burning incense produces dangerous organic byproducts, such as benzene and toluene, as well as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Daily Pollution Practices in India
My experiences in India have further reinforced my awareness. In many places, it is common to burn cow dung, garbage, and crop residues. I recall visiting the charnel ground in Banaras, where the dead bodies are cremated on open fires. People believe one of the sacred funeral pyres there has been burning continuously for centuries and has never been extinguished. It’s a spiritual and cultural tradition, but it also adds to the persistent air pollution in the area. In another incident in Meerut, a group of religious devotees burned 500 quintals of mango wood during a Mahayagya ritual, believing that the smoke from mango wood purifies the air (Bhatia). These cultural and religious rooted practices present significant environmental challenges.
Cultural Barriers and the Challenge of Change
Change is hard, especially when tradition and religion is involved. Fire rituals and incense offerings are sacred. Changing them can feel like abandoning part of our heritage. But I’ve come to believe that preserving tradition and promoting health do not have to be at odds. Still, this balance is hard to achieve because when religious beliefs are involved, even well-intentioned change is often met with resistance.
Learning and Inspiration from Emory University
My perspective started to shift when I became part of the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative (ETSI), a program whereby Emory University has partnered with several monasteries to bridge the gap between modern education and ancient Buddhist Philosophy. This program has given me the opportunity to study science at Emory University. Learning science alongside my monastic studies has helped me see environmental issues through a new lens. Bridging these two disciplines made me see pollution as not just a part of modern life but as something we can act on. Under the guidance and encouragement of my mentors Sarah Forsstrom and Ben Kerbey, I joined Dr. Saikawa’s research project on ‘Air Pollution in India’, which opened my eyes to the broader picture of how the daily practices in my hometown and monastery influence both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Through academic papers and studies in this lab deepened my understanding of the health and environmental consequences of air pollution. More than that, it has given me a platform to share my personal story.
Solutions and Stories of Hope
Solutions do exist, and I’ve seen some of them work. There is an inspiring story that comes from Thailand, where a Buddhist monk turned plastic waste into fabric to make monks’ robes. This initiative not only helped the environment but also created a sustainable income for their monastery. If plastic waste can be transformed into something sacred and useful, why not rethink how we manage air pollution in monasteries? We can implement solutions like improving kitchen ventilation and using cleaner fuels. But above all, in my case, I want to raise awareness among my people about the health impacts of poor indoor air quality and the broader effects of climate change. As a Buddhist monk, I believe this is a field where I can genuinely contribute—by engaging in conversations with my community and fellow monastics in the monastery.
Spreading Awareness and Collective Action
As I reflect on these experiences, I am convinced that awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. I believe taking baby steps make huge impact in the long run. Whether it’s through community talks, improved monastery practices, or even small shifts in how we cook and travel, individual actions matter. As someone who has walked both the path of Buddhism and science, I feel uniquely placed to initiate dialogue and action. The clean air I once took for granted may be fading, but by spreading awareness and encouraging mindful choices, we can still preserve it for future generations.
This journey from my Himalayan childhood to the labs of Emory has taught me that while the causes of pollution are complex, the solutions start with awareness and collective will. Our traditions, while sacred, must evolve if we are to protect the very environment that supports life on this blue planet. As I return to the monastery, I carry this hope with me—that through conversation, compassion, and courage, we can find a way to honor both our heritage and our health.