Swami Amritarupananda

The Divine Life Society
Secretary - The Clean Himalaya Society

Today’s Date: 27 January 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

The inspiration and peace derived from living near the banks of the Ganges River and foothills of the Himalayas.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

I lived in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada as a child. We lived on a mountainside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Everything was beautiful there. No particular favourite place

Now? Ganges and Himalayas

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

I have no particular favourite animal. I am more attracted to wild animals as they seem closer to nature. (Except wild monkeys as they destroy our gardens!)

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Global Warming and in future perhaps a water shortage.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Each one of us should do whatever is within our power to care for the environment and in particular help reduce Global Warming, even if it is just to change the type of light bulb we use, drive less and use public transport, recycle etc. etc. We should never think that as an individual we can do nothing. The power of individual action can be very great, not only as an example, but because it has an effect on consciousness, positive or negative. As consciousness is not limited, what we do is not limited.