After i finished reading the posts in my office last night i went home
to do a bit of reading and picked up "Wisdom of the Elders" by Suzuki
and Knudtson and the point where i began reading seemed to be perfect
for what i was thinking of -- i think it is relevant to our
discussion. See what you think.
"The statement that the earth is our mother is more than a sentimental
platitiude: we are shaped by the earth. The characteristics of the
environment in which we develop condition our biological and mental
being and the quality of our life. Even were it only for selfish
reasons, therefore, we must maintain variety and harmony in nature."
Rene Dubos, microbiologist.
The other day i posted something on worldview/perspective -- "In the
tewa worldview, which is, in essence, like all worldviews, a system of
symbols designed to transorm the awesome physical dimensions f the
cosmos into experiential ones..." Suzuki and Knudtson
In writing about an Aboriginal comm they state: "The Dreaming's
inherent ethos regarding the proper relationship between human beings
and other species can be roughly distilled down to four basic Laws,
suggests Rose.
*Balance: A system cannot be life enhancing if it is out of kilter,
and each part shares in the responsibility of sustaining itself and
balancing others.
*Response: Communication is reciprocal. There is here a moral
obligation: to learn to understand, to pay attention, and to respond.
*Symmetry: In opposing and balancing each other, parts must be
equivalent because the purpose is not to "win" or to dominate, but to
block, thereby producing further balance.
*Autonomy: No species, no group, or country is "boss" for another:
each adheres to its own Law. Authorty and dependence are necessary
within parts, but not between parts.
Green Dreams,
r.c.