A Command From Nature, by Satish Kumar
An extract from Seed magazine.
Environmental activist Satish Kumar reflects upon the events of the past year.
“In this age of materialism, nature and people have become a resource for the economy; they are used as a means to make profit. We need a paradigm shift. We need to shift our focus from economic growth to growth in wellbeing for people and planet.
“Nature is not simply an economic resource, it is the source of life”
“Everything born is nature – be it majestic mountains gracing the landscape, beautiful birds flying in the sky, lions living in jungles or humans dwelling in the cities. We are all nature, we are all members of one earth community and one earth family. Evolution teaches us that from the Big Bang to the present moment all life has shared the same origin and we have evolved together. As from one single apple seed we get a trunk, branches, leaves, blossoms and fruit, from one single point of the Big Bang we got this magnificent Tree of Life.
“The COVID crisis came to us as a command from nature, ordering humanity to slow down and reduce its negative impact on the environment. This time we had to, and we did, listen to the voice of the earth. And the earth, too, found space to recover.
“A crisis is also an opportunity, and the crisis of the epidemic enabled many to seize an opportunity to manifest love, generosity and humility.”
“We witnessed marvellous manifestations of kindness and self-sacrifice around the world. Many people, particularly the young, came out of their confinement to help others who needed support. Mutual aid groups sprung up and volunteers offered their services with enthusiasm and passion. These were the heroes of the human spirit.
“As in nature, everything passes, and this COVID crisis too will pass. But are we going to go back to business as usual? Or will we learn to live in harmony with the natural world and in harmony with people of different races, religions, cultures and nationalities? Are we willing to find a balance between material values and spiritual values? If we can practise love, compassion, caring and crafts in abnormal times then why not also in normal times?
“These are questions of paramount importance in the post-COVID period. Let us contemplate these questions personally and collectively. When we ask the right questions we will find the right answers.
Seed magazine volume 3 is available here.
Satish Kumar is the Editor Emeritus of Resurgence & Ecologist and the author of Elegant Simplicity.