麻豆约拍

Good Morning.

One of the greatest challenges confronting us is climate change.听 At the recent UN climate change summit in New York, Secretary-General, Ban-Ki Moon said: 鈥淐limate change is a defining issue of our age, 鈥�We need a clear vision. The human, environmental and financial cost of climate change is fast becoming unbearable. We have never faced such a challenge, nor such an opportunity...鈥�

There is a compelling argument to cut carbon emissions, to be alert and more conscious of our carbon footprint.听 Technology can also play a critical role too.听 However, I believe the world鈥檚 spiritual traditions have a role to play, if we are to save our planet.听 These traditions can help us to transform the way we relate to our environment 鈥� they can help us to see the creation around us in a new way by doing so I think we will be able to enter into a more meaningful relationship with the creation around us.听 The Qur鈥檃n informs us that, 鈥楾he seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein praise Him, and there is not a thing but hymneth His praise; but ye understand not their praise.鈥� [17:44].听 When a Sufi spiritual master sought to find an inheritor from amongst his disciples, he asked his disciples to go forth and bring him beautiful flowers for the convent.听 With the exception of one, all the others brought beautiful fragrant flowers.听 When asked, why he did not bring fresh flowers but instead a withered plant.听 He replied, 鈥楤ecause I witnessed that all the other flowers were busy recollecting the Lord, yet this one I bring you had just stopped its recollection.鈥櫶� It was he who was appointed the successor to the spiritual master.听 If we are to succeed in arresting climate change, we must develop the hearing and the sight that will enable us to hear the hymn and praise of the rest of creation.

May we treat the rest of creation with care and love that it deserves. Amin.

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