Now the world is frequently referred to as a global village however, as a global community we have a long, long way to go before we become a peaceful and integrated ‘village’. In this modern civilisation, humanity suffers in four ways.
1. Environmentally. Environmental pollution is a huge problem throughout the world. It is not limited to any one location, we are all affected.
2. Immigration Challenges. One of the modern world’s greatest global challenges.
3. Unemployment. A problem of subsistence.
4. Water. Problems of water scarcity, sanitation and access increase every year.
These problems are all created by humans, due to the modern way of living, the modern way of education, and the modern way of thinking. Our entire global system is wrong. The problem is largely associated with one common expression: “I don’t care”. As well as, “I don’t want to do that any more.” “It's not my duty.” “I don’t care about others…” and so on. But we must not break our relationship with others or with nature, for human life is about learning and understanding the value of relationships.
If humans had cultivated their sense of relationship (without selfish expectation), then better care would have been taken of nature, the animals, of water and human society. If we had done the necessary, we would not be facing the problems of today. For example, in the past we had to fetch water from far away and carry it home, therefore we were careful how we used it. Today however, we clean our vegetables and wash our dishes under running water and waste millions of litres day after day!
It’s a mistake to think there is enough water on earth to last forever, for this will change very soon. Less than 50 years ago many healthy creatures lived in our rivers, but now the situation is vastly different in many locations around the world where bacteria, pollution and disease proliferate more than ever before, making it dangerous to drink the water.
As a human society we need to become much more aware of our environment and begin to protect it. Pollution is not just about physical pollution. By far the greatest pollution is mental pollution - it is mental pollution that has brought the planet to this point today.
Some may consider that the last 60 years has brought great development to the world and a democratic way of life. Perhaps yes, but I would say that the world has developed towards destruction with so many diseases, catastrophes, wars and pollution… this never happened in the past. Be cautioned against always thinking, “The government shall do, the government shall fix…” Governments require public support and encouragement to do the necessary. That is democracy.
Become attentive, becoming discerning, learn to differentiate between need and greed. Don’t be a consumer of such things that harm our planet, our relationships, our spirituality.
To only pray all the time is not spirituality. Spirituality means to also take action to care for this beautiful living planet. Never think and never say: “I don’t care.” We should care about every relationship in this world. It may be about your house, the river, the washing powder, your way of dressing, what you buy, what you eat, your friends, other humans and animals.
Care for others and live according to the principle of Ahimsa Paramo Dharma “non-violence is the highest duty”. Never cause harm to anyone, via your thought, word or deed. Accept and respect different opinions, cultural traditions and religions. To accept others, we must also learn to accept ourselves. As my Grand-Master, Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji used to say, “When you understand the Divine within yourself you will recognise it in all living creatures.”
Mankind’s primary obligation is to protect life in all its forms and manifestations of existence. To actualise this, it is necessary to adopt a different way of thinking and behaving in every day life. “Love, tolerance, help and understanding” not only applies between individuals, but also amongst nations, cultures, races and religions. There is also the necessity to accept each being as a part of the eternal cycle of life, as each has an opportunity for individual development with duties to fulfill on earth.
Humans ought to be the protectors of life, not destroyers of life. If one cannot give life then one has no right to take it. That’s the reason why the killing of animals and eating of meat is rejected. The philosophy of non-duality and Sat Sanatan Dharma postulates that in this world – humans, animals, plants and inorganic materials – are created by one God. All creatures are the children of one Creator. All living beings are part of one united family.
The responsibility for one’s life and development remains with one’s self. There are many ways to find one’s inner Self and God. Each person has their own spiritual path and pursues it with different speed and dedication. The principles of self-responsibility and tolerance help to stimulate each person’s realisation of God according to one’s individual system of belief.
God as the creating principle, pervades the whole of creation and is called Nirguna – God without form. When manifest in material form, including in living beings, this principle is called Saguna – God with form. In all religions, Saguna is represented by spiritual persons, saints and holy incarnations, who spread the divine message. Today, many people find it hard to accept God in Saguna form, so for those still searching it is a good alternative to view God in Mother Nature and to learn to recognise God’s creative power everywhere and in everyone. Each of us explores feelings of unity with creation in our own way, either in nature or in places of worship.
To live sustainably on this planet and to achieve lasting world peace, humans must re-awaken to the vital significance of maintaining their ethical and spiritual values, whilst at the same time fostering a genuine commitment to care for the community of life - all of life - with understanding, compassion and love. Revival of humanity’s ethical and spiritual values is the ‘first-step’ in affecting the change we want to see for Mother Earth.
