Practical Steps Towards Protection of the Environment
These days the environment- the source of life for all beings in the world
including Tibet, the Land of Snows- is undergoing extensive degeneration. At
this time it is extremely important that every human being, according to his or
her ability, consistently puts effort into ensuring the conservation and
protection of this planet's environment and its inhabitants.
The benefits of an "undefiled environment are many; for instance, a healthy
tree purifies the air and supplies oxygen for living beings to breathe. It
harmonizes the elements and increases life expectancy. Its shade provides a
refreshing place to rest. It brings rain at the right time. It nourishes crops
and livestock, and balances the temperature. It contributes to an attractive
landscape and continually replenishes its surroundings. It brings about natural
development in the spheres of education, economics and so forth.
The drawbacks of a polluted environment include a decline in the pure, cool
qualities of the oceans and lakes, so that the creatures dwelling in those
places are disturbed. The loss of vegetation and forests causes degeneration in
the earth's nourishment.
Rain does not fall when it is needed. Unprecedented fierce storms rage, and
so on. So there are many disadvantages.
From the Dharma point of view our teacher, the king of Shakya, was also born
at the foot of a tree. He attained enlightenment under a tree, and finally
passed away under a tree. Particularly in the Vinaya of the holy Dharma, fully
ordained monks are taught how [0 nurture trees and so on. From that we can
understand that planting and nurturing trees are virtuous acts. Moreover, the
wisdom deities of the non-mundane worlds, as well as various local devas, nagas
and spirits, inhabit trees. That also leads LIS ro understand that trees are by
nature extremely important.
It is generally beneficial to plant various types of trees, as mentioned
above. In particular, fruit trees provide a living and nourishment
predominantly for humans, as well as benefit to many other sentient creatures.
They help to improve health and increase appetite, and so forth. So it
certainly is important to plant trees.
Likewise, planting flowers also is a pure virtuous act. For example, when
making a mandala offering we pray that the ground may be covered with incense
and strewn with flowers. Flowers assist us in accumulating merit and purifying
obscurations, and also is an indispensable offering item everywhere in
performing religious activities, such as the visualization of meditational
deities. Moreover, if _here are colorful flowers and then you offer them
through visualization to the Triple Gem, the benefit of a swift accumulation of
merit occurs. What is more, when people who are experiencing mess and an
imbalanced mind stroll for a while in a garden, their minds are benefited by
becoming refreshed and filled with pleasure.
Therefore, the whole of society needs to take an interest in planting various
kinds of trees and flowers around monasteries, schools, offices, hospitals,
factories, restaurants, hotels and residences, on both sides of thoroughfares.
In order to protect the growth of whatever has been planted in the best way,
people should advise their children not to harm them. This definitely is a
beneficial service to oneself and others and, in fact, to all living beings.
In Tibet, previously there was a good tradition of instituting laws to
safeguard hills and valleys for unprotected and unsupported wild animals and
birds and for the protection of various defenseless creatures. We should
maintain the continuity of this tradition. At the present time, a few
thoughtless people hunt wild animals and catch fish and seals, through their
craving for money and material goods. It is noble work for self and others, and
for present and future lives, to stop all of this from happening.
Similarly, it is inappropriate randomly to discard fruit-peel, paper, plastic
bottles, old cloths, food leftovers and other kinds of garbage. Nor should
people urinate and defecate everywhere. Such things spoil the beauty of the
landscape and are a hazard to health and hygiene. There are some people,
especially, who tie their worn cloths and fallen hair to the branches of trees.
This looks extremely unattractive, so from now on this habit should be
abandoned.
In short, this is a request that, through understanding the interdependent
nature of the world and its inhabitants, people will implement practices based
upon unmistakenly accepting the correct means to cherish the potential of the
vast natural realm.
May the attractive and healthy forests be increased in all the one hundred
directions! May sentient creatures be freed from untimely death and live happy
lives!
This message was delivered on Tibetan Democracy Day, September 2, 1994
Sumber : www.dalailama.com
__________________________________________________
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 ~
---------------------------------
Kunjungi halaman depan Yahoo! Indonesia yang baru!
