“The destruction of nature and wildlife populations is a result of ignorance,
H.H. Dalai Lama
greed and lack of respect for the earth’s living things.
Our actions affect others.
We human beings are the only species with the power to destroy
the natural world as we know it.
Yet, if we have such a capacity for destruction, so, too,
do we have the capacity to protect wildlife and the environment–
we have an urgent responsibility to do so…“
Sounding the clarion call…
This is a very timely and important message from the Dalai Lama!
Human beings have demonstrated a masterful capacity to destroy and kill and yet that same ‘power’ can also be harnessed to protect and nurture.
As we have crossed a ‘tipping point’ on the planet a great necessity confronts us. A new way of thinking and a whole new way of behaving towards all the kingdoms with which we share this planet must ensue.
For too long, greed and ignorance have held sway over all other considerations and now we are seeing the results of this greed.
Nothing is not interdependent.
To continue to live in ignorance of this ‘truth’ is to court disaster.
Within the reality of interdependent energies there exists a critical point of balance. Each and every one of us holds a stake in this ‘balance.’
This is a vital point because if we do not know this, we can easily feel overwhelmed and powerless. However, in reality, we are not powerless.
We hold immense power within ourselves and this is the time to acknowledge it and put that power to good use.
We can see the results of greed and short-sighted ignorance. The death and decay of this kind of living are all around us, continuing the cycle of suffering and despair.
As the Lama so truly pointed out, our capacity to destroy and wreak havoc exists in equal measure to our capacity to nurture and support the life that exists all around us and within us.
There can be no blurring of the boundaries. This is a time for what is clear and decisive, not a time for small-minded, selfish pettiness.
From clear and altruistic intention which acknowledges humanities responsibility towards all other kingdoms on this earth will rise the new age of limitless possibilities… From chaotic grasping and greed, comes only death and despair.
It is a stark choice and yet this is the choice that we face…
This balance is in our hands…