Earth As A Sacred Body
MAY 18, 1980, 4:59 AM
TUSTIN – LIVING ROOM
Yes, o son, I did say, at a different time and in a different place, that I would give you a teaching on this “topic”. Now it is coming back to you and you remember the context – Chief Seattle and the ecological-spiritual glimpse of the earth. Yes, that will be an important, and almost equally effective way to finish off the afternoon today.
In one sense the earth is to consume… and in another, matter cannot be lost or gained. The earth contains many substances with uses favorable to persons and to people. Some of these, like water and air, reproduce themselves, while some, like oil, will not replenish in any usable time. A spiritual view of life is one of maximum concern for others rather than self. A concern for others, yet small or unborn, would urge diminished use of many resources now… until plentiful substitutes are developed or created or discovered. When such substitutes are clearly viable and cost appropriate… then unbridled use can resume, should this seem right to do.
The earth is a garden… My garden. There was a special garden in early times, but it was only a special part of the larger whole. The principle holds today – there are special gardens within the earth. Your meditation garden and Peter’s park are two places on your farm with special qualities. The Farm is special within the large geographic region. Be more purposive in creating and maintaining these places of special beauty. These symbolically show respect for the sacred body of the earth. Wherever you are for any length of time create such a “garden”. Consider how to do it in winter as well as summer.
The earth is real, but it is also symbolic. It gives forth useable resources but does so best when there is care and concern shown by those who use. Wastes need to be rendered usable again. Control of true pollutants must be maintained, or the earth’s capacity to give diminishes. So with each of you. Others give to you, but without fruitful use and reciprocal giving others cease to give and turn away. Sharing – one of the chief spiritual practices in human relationships – has its analogue in humans and the earth. Ponder this long and often.
Just as I abhor idols when these stand in place of love and reverence for Me, so I loathe (yes, that is the word – strong, isn’t it?) the elevation of the products of the earth (usually manufactured) above Me. Many of these have places, but always as gifts of the earth, through Me… as symbols rather than as royal reality. This is an attitude that is being lost. Do your part to maintain and restore a proper rhythm between humans and products.
The sacredness of the earth comes from the relationship with Me – created by and representing beautiful facets of. So it is with the sacredness of you and all others – you were created by Me and represent aspects of Me on this larger creation. Feel this analogous relationship. Feel more kinship than superiority. You are a superior creation only as you do not proclaim it and, instead, serve Me… and other creations lower.
The wisest consumer is she who uses the fruit of the earth as a gift, with a strong sense of alternatives, rather than as one who deserves and one who absolutely needs. In drinking, if you must have a drink, or another, you are ill. In use of the many fruits of the earth, if you must have something you are ill… and there is a large spiritual component to that illness. You were wise in “giving up custody” of the Farm. You gave it up as a necessity and may now possess it as a truer reality. It is in giving, or in giving up, that you receive most. This has many applications. Be aware of them as you experience this week.
It is only as you acknowledge the sacredness of all of creation that you merit the sacredness of your own creation. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. Both/and, not either or.
Yes, I guided you to reread our Friday night lesson, and I awoke you this morning. Use this today and reread the other all through the week.
Amen on a Sunday
6:04 AM