Reflections by Ayya Santussika: The People's Climate Train - A powerful and empowering experience

Ayya Santussika (at center) leading a discussion on the climate train. Photo by Ayya Santacitta.

All along the way, as we passed through this great country from sea to sea, we were reminded of the devastation of climate change and the pillage and poisoning of the land and water by the fossil fuel industry. For example, we heard about the impact of Bay Area refineries from indigenous leaders. In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, we smelled the smoke of the forest fires and saw it hanging in the air. In Utah and Colorado, we passed by long strings of tanker cars and open coal cars as we heard from young activists about the resistance to tar sands and fracking. 

People came from as far as Venezuela and Alaska to join the train, from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, covering the span of generations from those in their twenties to those in their eighties. We had faith leaders on the train from many traditions. Each spoke about the importance of working to change our course and connecting to spirit to find the enduring strength with which to do it. 

Living together for four days, we covered a lot of ground, learning from one another, strengthening each other, building enduring relationships and deepening our spiritual resilience. We emerged informed, energized, ready and connected. It was an unforgettable experience.

-Ayya Santussika


To read Thanissara's latest blog post about the People's Climate Train, click here.