Politics and Environment: An Interview Dalai Lama: In general, I feel that
laws should serve as guidelines for the proper use of human initiative,
creativity and ability.
Fabien: Do you think that democracy is helping laws to evolve in this way?
Dalai Lama: Yes, in democratic countries, legal systems should work that way
and generally do. Bur these laws nevertheless partially contradict the Buddhist
principle of interdependence, since they do not include "democratic rights" for
the environment and the animal realm. Most legal systems refer only to human
rights and do not consider the rights of animals or other beings that share the
planet with us. Laws that protect human rights and values and indicate proper
ways co use human ability are not in contradiction with karma or causality -
not in the Western sense where the same causes have the same effect, but in the
Buddhist sense where each effect proceeds from a cause that also needs to be
considered.
In reality the problem is that for most "powerful" people there is a
difference between the principle of the law and its application almost all
legal systems condemn killing. This notion occurs in most countries of the
world. Yet in practice, powerful people treat killing as they treat lying. For
politicians, small lies are prohibited, but large lies are accepted. For a
Buddhist, this is a very obvious Contradiction. The same applies to killing.
When a man who is desperate kills another person, this small act is defined as
murder. It is wrong. But the man who kills or gives orders to kill thousands of
people is a hero! That is very unfortunate.
Most religious systems condemn murder, rape, and theft. In my opinion,
religious principles are based on natural human attitudes and feelings. Their
essential function is to inspire human beings to develop basic human qualities.
Thus it seems logical that most laws would be consistent with the principles of
positive karma. But in order for both religious and secular laws to conform to
the principles of interdependence, we need to widen their perspective to
include protection of the environment and the animal realm. This is how we can
apply the Buddhist view of interdependence to a broader vision of law and order.
Dalai Lama: [...] In any case, all the natural resource specialists with whom
I have spoken warn me that this gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" should
be reduced. At present there are around 5.5 billion human beings on earth. If
the living standard of the southerners were raised to 'the level the
northerners are presently enjoying, what would happen to the world's natural
resources? This situation would not be sustainable. China, for example, has a
population of 1.2 billion. If each family were to have two cars, the
environmental damage would be unimaginable. Nine hundred million people live in
India.
The Western concept of increasing the GNP each year must change, and fast.
The principle itself contradicts all natural and logical laws.
Fabien: Do you think Westerners should also have fewer cars?
Dalai Lama: Certainly. They need to develop a sense of contentment and more
consideration towards others. Things should be done in a more just, equal
manner. In the meantime, the birth control question must also be addressed. The
southern countries must curb their population growth.
Fabien: Efficient birth control mainly depends on standard of living. The
more access to education women have, the fewer children they 'produce,
statistically speaking. So, education seems to be the best way to curb the
population explosion.
Dalai Lama: That's very good. But what education? To tell you the truth, I
think the first thing the southerners must do is recognize the negative
consequences of the present Western concepts of life and economy. We have to
correct or remould this erroneous belief in, the value of an ever-increasing
GNP.
Likewise, although some factories and industries are now adopting, new ways
to protect the environment, the northerners are inflicting a lot of damage on
the world's environment. This prompts me to say that from a global point of
view the money produced by the northern world is still insufficient.
[. . .] In the early part of this century, everyone foolishly thought that
natUre's resources were limitless and at the disposal of humanity. Today
ecological ideology even influences political parties. All these changes stem
from the experience we have acquired as human beings. In the same way; the
concept of human rights, whether individual or general, such as die right to
self-determination for a given group, has evolved. These ideas are now
universally recognized. Such progress gives me hope for the future.
Fabien: Do you think that one individual can change the world?
Dalai Lama: Yes.
Fabien: In that case, the best thing to do is to start trying to improve
oneself.
Dalai Lama: It seems quite simple. First, it is important to realize we are
part of nature. Ultimately, nature will always be more powerful than human
beings, even with all their nuclear weapons, scientific equipment, and
knowledge. If the sun disappears or the earth's temperature changes by a few
degrees, then we are really in trouble. At, a deeper level, we should recognize
that although we are part of nature, we can control and change things, to some
extent, due to our intelligence. Among the thousands of species of mammals on
earth, we humans have the greatest capacity to alter nature. As such, we have a
twofold responsibility. Morally, as beings of higher intelligence, we must care
for this world. The other inhabitants of the planet - ­insects and so on -
do not have the means to save or protect this world. Our other responsibility
is to undo the serious environmental degradation that is the result of
incorrect human behaviour. We have recklessly polluted the
world with chemicals and nuclear waste, selfishly consuming many of its
resources. Humanity must take the initiative to repair and protect the world.
Of course, when we say, "humanity" or "society", it's obvious the initiative
must come from individuals. It is wrong to expect our governments, or even God,
to give us any guidance on these matters.
[...] Actually, I'm quite optimistic. Take the example of environmental
problems. The scientists and associations that defend the environment have
repeatedly informed us about the ecological problems now facing the earth, like
global warming and widespread pollution of our water and air. Now, awareness is
growing worldwide. New techniques are evolving so that we can avoid pollution
without changing the process of industry or the economy. During a recent visit
to Stockholm, my friends told me that ten years before the fish had practically
disappeared from the nearby river. Now they are regenerating, simply because
the industrial plants along that river have made some efforts to protect the
environment. In other words, they managed to improve the situation without
destroying the industry. I was recently in the Rohr region of Germany, a centre
of industry. One large company showed me a film on the different means they
were raking to reduce pollution and recycle waste
material. Without changing their entire structure, they were causing much less
damage to the environment.
Concern for ecology grows with the proper and widespread dissemination of
information. People have gradually become convinced what the situation is
serious and what we must take care for our planet. I've noticed that now, in
some hotels, we are asked to not waste electricity or water. This is a good
start. Likewise the media must speak of the importance of altruism in every
human activity. It must be discussed again and again, in newspapers, in the
movies, on the radio, on TV. I think there is plenty of momentum to do this.
Medical and scientific fields should support the theory of altruism. Ecologists
will support it, as the peace movement, providing the educational systems are
also improved so that children become less violent. Then, even the police force
will change. and everyone will gradually begin to think and act with more
kindness, altruism, and compassion.
Excerpt from the book Imagine All the People: A conversation with the Dalai
Lama on Money Politics and Life as it Could Be, Wisdom Publications, Boston
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 ~
---------------------------------
Lelah menerima spam? Surat Yahoo! mempunyai perlindungan terbaik terhadap spam.
http://id.mail.yahoo.com/
