Today April 22 2023, is the 53rd ‘Earth Day’, which was first held on April 22, 1970. Earth Day is celebrated to demonstrate support to environmental protection.
LIVING IN HARMONY & MINDFULNESS
May we be receptive to the wisdom of nature
and the knowledge that if her laws are
obeyed, our lands and people will flourish
May we bring back the natural harmony of
nature and restore to our souls the
richness which strengthens our bodies
May we treat the Earth and all that dwell
thereon; man, and animal, with
respect and kindness
May we save our planet from the present
practices of destruction and allow
the raw wounds of the earth to heal
May we give assistance and kindness
wherever needed, and work together
for the benefit of all
May we be brave enough to take a stand;
do only what we know to be right,
and take full responsibility for our actions
May we be courageous enough to make
a commitment and dedicate a share
of our efforts to the greater good
May we rid ourselves of intolerance and
prejudice and may we support true
balance between both the genders
May we practice mindfulness, and be more
connected –
to ourselves, to others,
and to the world around us
Many of these beautiful and profound lines are taken from various Native American prayers and statements. Whole lines have been adapted, paraphrased and put together to suit my purposes from ‘Native Commandments’, by Jasper Saunkeah, Cherokee. A couple of lines from ‘True Path Walkers’, ‘Obligations of the True Path Walkers’, and a line or two from ‘A Sioux Prayer’, Translated by Chief Yellow Lark – 1887. Also, from Thích Nhất Hạnh the Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, poet and teacher and Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. A few thoughts and lines of my own have been added only to connect and harmonise them respectfully.
Pratap Antony writes on ecology and environment, social justice and pluralism, corporate communications and music.
