THE BUDDHIST ECOLOGY FLAG
The Buddhist Ecology Flag was jointly designed in the year 2000 by Rev. Don Castro and artist Kenji Tachibana of the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple in the U.S.A. It superimposes the ecology symbol on a slight variation (more green) of the Buddhist flag designed by Mr. J. R. de Silva of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and the American Colonel Henry S. Olcott to mark the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 1880. The colors of the Buddhist Flag come from the aura of light which surrounded the Buddha upon his enlightenment.

THE EARTH-TOUCHING POSTURE 1 (Bhumi Sparsha Mudra)
After gaining enlightenment, the Buddha was still seated under the Bodhi Tree when he was challenged by Mara (a sort of devil). "Why should you be called a Buddha (Enlightened One)," asked Mara. "Since you dwelt alone in the forest, no one has witnessed your practice and accumulation of merit." The Buddha simply touched the earth to call upon the goddess of the earth, Sthavara, who emerged and confirmed the Buddha’s enlightenment. Indeed, this great earth, through its health or sickness, will bear witness as to how foolish or enlightened we human beings are. In all Buddhist countries, there is a beautiful and perfectly apt image of Shakyamuni Buddha in the "earth-touching posture." What a wonderful and convenient symbol of Buddhism’s inherent ecological perspective. It is our hope that all Buddhist conservationists will somehow incorporate this ecological posture of the Buddha into your shrine.

THE EARTH-TOUCHING POSTURE 2 (Bhumi Sparsha Mudra)
Need a blurb from Rev Castro here