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Sikhism &
Ecological Issues
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Sikhism & Ecological
Issues
“Nights, seasons, wind, water, fire and nether worlds…in
the midst of these He set the earth as His temple so that humankind may
learn and practice righteous living. Therein he created limitless
diverse species with own living modes…” (GGS p. 7 )
Today’s selfish consumerism and market driven economies are a threat to
the global climate and the environment. Sikhi – Sikh thought and way of
life – has a powerful message for humankind regarding ecological
issues. On this earth man is at the head of all species but has
forgotten his duty (to serve the Creator and His creation) due to lust
and greed (SGGS p.374)
Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhi, saw the Creator in His diverse
creation where he sits and watches over all with joy and satisfaction
(chao). Many passages in Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture, are
devoted to nature, the environment, the wind and the rain, day and
night, the changing seasons, and the rich diversity of life on earth.
The Creator created the air, which created water and brought life on
earth. (SGGS p.19). The gist of some passages of Guru Nanak’s Jap ji
(mainly SGGS pages 7 and 8), and many other similar references in Sri
Guru Granth Sahib can be summarised as follows:
The great mother earth (“mata dharat mahatt”, with its many life forms,
is the “dharam khand”, the realm of balanced, responsible and righteous
living. This earth, together with the environment (wind and water) is
the “dharamsaal” or “mandir” (place of worship) where man is to achieve
the purpose of this life. He is not to desecrate this place of worship
by disturbing the fine balance of nature by abusing the environment
through selfish overuse of resources.
According to Sikhi, the purpose of human life is achieved by seeking
complete harmony with Waheguru, the Wondrous Enlightener, the Giver of
knowledge, while living the life of a householder on this earth. The
Creator Being resides in nature, creates numerous diverse species, and
provides the balance in life. The air, the water and the earth are the
givers of life and knowledge, and sustainers of life. The environment
is the teacher, the water and the great mother earth the father and
mother, the caring parents who look after us. It is also our duty to
serve our “parents” – the earth and the environment - and not to
disturb the natural mechanisms which provide the delicate (natural)
balance in the environment and between the diversity in creation.
Diversity must be preserved and respected according to the “Anekta meh
ekta” principle by seeing One Creator in all. Every human being has a
responsibility to selflessly serve the Lord’s creation and not to
desecrate his temple, the great mother earth”Creating the earth, He
established it as the home of Dharma – the sacred place where righteous
conduct is to be practised.” (SGGS p.1033)
©
Copyright
Gurmukh
Singh (U.K.)
E-mail: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk
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