..續本文上一頁Tantra, an ancient Indian environmental and vajrayana work: “Just as it is with the outer world, so it is with the inner world”. Our body is made up of and functions due to the same five elements that we find in the outer world. These five elements are: space, wind, fire, water and earth. We need to recognize and accept this in order to understand the importance of taking care of them.

　　 The energy and elements of our body and mind are a microcosm, that mirror the outer universe, the macrocosm. This means that harming and polluting the environment causes us mental and physical problems. This is what is implied by a synergy of conditions.

　　Environmental Education

　　 If we continue in our present self-destructive fashion, and ignore the already present global environmental emergency, the danger will arise that the five elements of our planet will disintegrate and die and consequently the conditions for our live will cease to exist. If we destroy our outer and inner environment, what kind of legacy do we leave for our children and the future generations to inherit

　　 Given the fact that modern society is faced with far greater dangers of environmental pollution and destruction then the past, environmental education has gained tremendous importance in the last few years.

　　 Of course many of the technological advances of modern society are wonderful, but, now we are all run and rush every day, just to survive and we have forgotten our ancient ideas, values and nature. Perhaps we can once again learn from the ancient traditions and cultures such as those of China.

　　 Nowadays, in the global village, everyone is more or less afflicted by the same problems. For example, worldwide water pollution is damaging both the environment and our health. It seems as if there are unlimited water resources on this planet, but in fact the drinking water reserves are only a very small percentage. According to the statistics of the World Bank and the World Health Organization, half the world”s population is without clean drinking water and contaminated water is the source of 80% of all illnesses in the developing countries. Thus, it is essential that we do something to avert this devastating situation. Environmental education is fundamental.

　　 In 1972 the first Conference on the Human Environment took place in Stockholm, which lead to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The declaration states many very significant concerns, such as:

　　 “A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences. Through ignorance or indifference we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and well being depend. Conversely, through fuller knowledge and wiser action, we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in an environment more in keeping with human needs and hopes. There are broad vistas for the enhancement of environmental quality and the creation of a good life. What is needed is an enthusiastic but calm state of mind and intense but orderly work. For the purpose of attaining freedom in the world of nature, man must use knowledge to build, in collaboration with nature, a better environment. To defend and improve the human environment for present and future generations has become an imperative goal for mankind-a goal to be pursued together with, and in harmony with, the established and fundamental goals of peace and of worldwide economic and social development.”

　　 nearly forty years ago the great importance for environmental care was clearly understood, yet it seems that in fact today we are even more far from reaching those goals. A renewed effort was…

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