THE TAO OF THE ENVIRONMENT

In recent years, we have all become more aware of environmental issues. Whether it is global warming, unusual weather patterns or crude oil spills and other disasters devastating wildfire, we have reasons to be concerned. The lines from chapter 39 of Tao Te Ching seem prophetically appropriate:

The sky, lacking clarity, would break apart

The earth, lacking tranquility, would erupt

There is only one real cure for this condition, and that is for us to understand our fundamental oneness with the environment. We have to get used to thinking of ourselves as part of nature, not apart from it. Everything we do on this planet, for better or worse, we are doing for ourselves and to ourselves. Thus, when we exploit natural resources, we are really exploiting ourselves. When we cause damage to the environment, we are really causing damage to us and our future generations.

The Tao Today

Resist the temptation to point an accusing finger at the government or corporations. They are but organizations made up of human beings not so different from you. Rather than condemn anyone, start with what you can do to make things better at the personal level. Let the changes you initiate spread outward to your family, circle of friends and beyond.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin