Bohol Mirror

(Condensed from WORLD GOODWILL NEWSLETTER)

We have a mighty task before us. The earth needs our assistance

The science of ecology, based as it is upon the study of the relation between plants, animals and peoples and their environment, has contributed significantly to this enormous upsurge in environmental awareness. We think of ecology as a relatively new science but, in fact, it draws upon an ancient heritage. Francesco di Castri , the Director of UNESCO’s Division of Ecological Sciences, writes that all ancient civilizations had within them elements of the principles of ecology. He cites examples from the Roman civilization and, he continues “Stretching a point one could even say that, in order to survive harsh climate and hunt reindeer and mammoth, cave-men had to show a more highly developed ecological sense than many modern ecologists. “We have only to listen to the “peoples of the earth,” the American Indians, the Maori and others to know that their cultures were centered affinity with nature. The American Indians, for instance, spoke of the land as sacred. The old tribal way of life is described by Chief Luther Standing Bear as one where “kinship with all creatures of the earth, sky and water was a real and active principle.” The Indian “knew that man’s heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.”

Our present materialistic civilization has resulted in devastation of the environment. New-found scientific and technological skills have been used to exploit natural resources to the maximum, with almost total disregard for resulting environmental degradation and pollution. The massive rise in human population in this century has also put greatly increased pressure on the environment. The ancient wisdom of living in harmony with the rest of nature has been ignored, only now is it dawning on us at what enormous cost, not only to humanity but to all life on earth.

The science of ecology strongly affirms that the human kingdom is a part of nature. From its narrow focus last century upon descriptive natural history and the study of isolated species in their immediate environment, ecology has evolved into one of the most holistic of modern sciences. Ecology is now concerned with relationships within the biosphere – that thin layer which envelopes the whole planet and on which the living things on earth depend for survival. Humanity is now seen to be an integral part of the biosphere. Indeed the human impact on the environment is so dominant that people’s aspirations, attitudes and values have become factors of central importance to ecologists.

It is when we consider the global scale of humanity’s influence within the biosphere that we can really appreciate the “mighty task” before us. In essence it is to transform humanity’s relationship with the earth from one which is harmful and destructive to one of responsible, benevolent stewardship.

Major changes in thinking about the environment are already taking place. That the precious life support systems of the planet cannot sustain our present level of abuse has been the message of ecologists and conservation groups for the last two decades. Now this understanding is steadily gaining ground in public consciousness. There is deep public anxiety at the dangers of exposure to pollution and toxic waste, and outrage at well publicized problems such as acid rain. Recent opinion pools in Europe and the United States indicate that people are prepared to make material sacrifices where certain environmental protection measures are concerned.

The creation of an informed public opinion is central to the work of the conservation movement, for governments have in the past, shown themselves reluctant to act on even the most urgent ecological problems. Today the pressure of public opinion is beginning to change this situation. Governments throughout the world are beginning to incorporate an ecological perspective in their basic policies and programs. Yet, there is so much still to be done before the right level of international commitment to action is to be achieved. The will to act to save the earth is needed in the individual, in governments and in the international community. For ultimately the collective will to sacrifice short-term material gains for the long-term interest of a healthy environment will only manifest when a sufficient number of men and women of goodwill demand it. It is the minds and hearts of people which must be changed.

Appalling is the environmental crisis may be, we are learning from it. A new spirit of relationship with the earth is emerging in human consciousness. The international organizational ecological movement is today a great network of service embracing official government bodies, local, national and international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace; political parties such as the “Green parties in Europe. Servers in this field are pioneering a new global ethic – a “reverence for life.” They are helping to heal, to make whole, the earth and the human family. Their vision and their work are leading humanity to accept its responsibility as a center of creative and intelligent goodwill within the planetary life.

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NOTE: Theosophy is the wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions. It offers a philosophy which renders life intelligible and demonstrates that justice and love guide the cosmos. Its teachings aid the unfoldment of the latent spiritual nature in the human being, without dependence or fear.

The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is a worldwide body whose primary object is Universal Brotherhood based on the realization that life, in all its diverse forms, human and non-human, is indivisibly One.

The Society imposes no belief on its members, who are united by a common search for truth and the desire to learn the meaning and purpose of existence by engaging themselves in study, reflection, purity of life and loving service. For more information please contact 09214764154.