---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: Re: Re: Eco Living Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 12:59:42 +0800 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ...But it is *okay* to use modern technology when it is available. Telephones, email/internet, computers, celular phones, cars, airplanes, freezers, etc. Everything is just a "tool" of economic progress. I don't think it's necessary to run off to the farms and harvest one's own vegetables. Unless you really *want* to... I think that a person practices nonattachment when he does not become dependent on these modern-System gadgets. Nonattachment occurs when you realize that the System is there to help you live your life in comfort...and if the System fails to help you in one way, there is another way...whether through the System or not...both ways are just ways. For instance, if your celphone is busted...then it is busted...use a landline. If your server is not working...then it is not working...use the phone for communicating, the library for research, the post for messages/letters. If your airconditioning unit is busted...then it is busted. Have it fixed. If you don't have the money, then buy an electric fan. The point is the System is there for you to use ... so use it. But use it responsibly. One can live ecologically right in his own urban home. Am not really that familiar with the concept (that is, it's scope or boundaries) but from the words themselves it just means for one to be aware of how one's activity can impact on the ecological systems...both urban and rural systems. In the city, one can (a) make use of public transportation (b) buy locally-made goods (c) use less water and electricity (d) buy only what you really need (not what society percieves you need) (e) plant a garden (and if you don't have the "land", use pots.) (f) reuse, reduce and recycle, etc. Also, how do we go about determining who the more "enlightened" is to be? Many will claim to be the "most enlightened" ... enlightened as to how one should best live one's life? wow...that would take a really "powerful" and, I think, "spiritual" being. In any case, those who are truly enlightened probably wouldn't even want to lead any "way" ... already deciding that every way is the right way...for that particular individual or group. I heard a talk weeks ago on the concept of "elegant simplicity" or "wabi sabi" as it is called in Japan. Have you heard about it? I think this way of living is exactly what living ecologically means. Thanks. __________________________________ www.edsamail.com -------------------------------------------------------
