Thinking Globally: A Universal Task Scientific predictions of
environmental change are difficult for ordinary human beings to comprehend
fully. We hear about hot temperatures and rising sea levels, increasing cancer
rates, vast population growth, depletion of resources, and extinction of
species. Human activity everywhere is hastening to destroy key elements of the
natural eco-systems all living beings depend on.
These threatening developments are individually drastic and together amazing.
The world's population has tripled in this century alone and is expected to
double or triple in the next. The global economy may grow by a factor of five
or ten including with it extreme rates of energy consumption, carbon dioxide
production, and deforestation. It is hard to imagine all things actually
happening in our lifetime and in the lives of our children. We have to consider
the prospects of global suffering and environmental degradation unlike anything
in human history.
I think, however, there is good news in that now we will definitely have to
find new ways to survive together on this planet. In this century we have seen
enough war, poverty, pollution, and suffering. According to Buddhist teaching,
such things happen as the result of ignorance and selfish actions, because we
often fail to see the essential common relation of all beings. The earth is
showing us warnings and clear indications of the vast effects and negative
potential of misdirected human behavior.
To counteract these harmful practices we can teach ourselves to be more aware
of our own mutual dependence. Every sentient being wants happiness instead of
pain. So we share a common basic feeling. We can develop right action to help
the earth and each other based on a better motivation. Therefore, I always
speak of the importance of developing a genuine sense of universal
responsibility. When we are motivated by wisdom and compassion, the results of
our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate
convenience. When we are able to recognize and forgive ignorant actions of the
past, we gain the strength to constructively solve the problems of the present.
We should extend this attitude to be concerned for our whole environment. As a
basic principle, I think it is better to help if you can, and if you cannot
help, at least try not to do harm. This is an especially suitable guide when
there is so much yet to understand about the complex interrelations of diverse
and unique eco-systems. The earth is out home and our mother. We need to
respect and take care of her. This is easy to understand today.
We need knowledge to care for ourselves, every part of the Earth and the life
upon it, and all of the future generations as well. This means that education
about the environment is of great importance to everyone. Scientific learning
and technological progress are essential for improving the quality of life in
the modern world. Still more important is the simple practice of getting to
know and better appreciate our natural surroundings, and ourselves whether we
are children or adults. If we have a true appreciation for others and resist
acting out of ignorance we will take care of the Earth.
In the biggest sense, environmental education means learning to maintain a
balanced way of life. All religions agree that we cannot find lasting inner
satisfaction based on selfish desires and acquiring the comforts of the
material things. Even if we could, there are now so many people that the earth
would not sustain us for long. I think it is much better to practice enjoying
simple peace of mind. We can share the earth and take care of it together,
rather than trying ro possess it, destroying the beauty of life in the process.
Ancient cultures that have adapted to their natural surroundings can offer
special insights on structuring human societies to exist in balance with the
environment. For example, Tibetans are uniquely familiar with life on the
Himalayan Plateau. This has evolved into a long history of a civilization that
took care not to overwhelm and destroy its fragile eco-system. Tibetans have
long appreciated the presence of wild animals as symbolic of freedom. A deep
reverence for nature is apparent in much of Tibetan art and ceremony. Spiritual
development thrived despite limited material progress. Just as species may not
adapt to relatively sudden environmental changes, human cultures also need to
be treated with special care to ensure survival. Therefore, learning about the
useful ways of people and preserving their cultural heritage is also a part of
learning to care for the environment.
I try always to express the value of having a good heart. This simple aspect of
human nature can be nourished to great power. With a good heart and wisdom you
have right motivation and will automatically do what needs to be done. If
people begin to act with genuine compassion for every one, we can still protect
each other and the natural environment. This is much easier than having to
adapt to the severe and incomprehensible environmental conditions projected for
the future.
Now on a close examination, the human mind, the human heart, and the
environment are inseparably linked together. In this sense, environmental
education helps to generate both the understanding and love we need to create
the best opportunity there has ever been for peace and lasting coexistence.
Reprinted from EPA Journal: A Magazine on National and Global Environmental
Perspectives, Published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington D. C, September/October 1991, vol. 17, Number 4
Sumber : www.dalailama.com
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Be aware of the contact between your feet and the Earth. Walk as if you are
kissing the Earth with your feet. We have caused a lot of damage to the Earth.
Now it is time for us to take good care of her. We bring our peace and calm to
the surface of the Earth and share the lesson of love. We walk in that spirit.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~
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