We live in an age driven by economic prosperity, scientific advancement, and technological overhaul. However, despite these achievements, our world continues to be marred by persistent problems like violence, environmental degradation, inequality, and other forms of injustice. Indeed, these issues can be partly attributed to a reductionist approach through neoclassical economic theories and an idolization of rationality and logic.
Interestingly, wisdom contained in ancient philosophical principles and world religions may hold pertinently relevant keys to navigating these myriad challenges. For instance, Ahimsa, a principle stemming from Jain, Buddhist, Hindu and Yogic traditions,embraces belief in the sacredness of all life forms and the avoidance of harm and violence.
In the world we inhabit today, the application of Ahimsa as a primary principle could result in significant shifts in the resolution of humanity’s most pressing issues. Its adoption by nations, societies, communities, and businesses could impact decisions at every intersection from policy formulation to consumer spending.
Imagine the possibilities if Ahimsa was prioritized on par with, or even over, factors like GDP, profits or power dynamics. We could witness countries resolving conflicts without the ravages of violence, businesses discontinuing harmful products and services, and human activities tailored to coexist in harmony with natural ecosystems.
Despite how intensely aspirational this might sound, this is no unrealistic expectation. Scientists now believe that we have entered the 6th great extinction event with the possibility of our entire biosphere collapsing within this century. Thus, such a transition toward Ahimsa and similar spiritual principles is not just desirable—it’s a necessity for human survival.
Yet, it is paradoxically tragic that within the governing theories and methods of today’s society, spiritual principles like Ahimsa are often blindly deemed valueless. Therein lies our collective blindspot. Spiritual wisdom is often considered as a relic of the past, completely unrelated to the realities of modern life. This could not be farther from the truth. It is these very principles, rooted deeply in a conscious reverence for life, that can guide us to a more sustainable, compassionate, and just world.
The ethos of the spiritual manifesto Love+Truth is precisely this—to inspire a global shift in perspective. As stated in Love+Truth, “We’re in a race to raise human consciousness,” a race that must urgently refocus on the wisdom embodied in our spiritual traditions. Helping humanity recognize and realign towards these ancient yet revolutionary principles can indeed change the trajectory of our global society.
Ultimately, to ensure our survival and prosperity, we need to transcend mere economic and logical constructs and venture into the realm of spiritual insight. In doing so, we can redefine our values and systems that guide our decision-making process, mitigate our most pressing issues, and ensure a sustainable and thriving future for all life forms on this planet.
Therefore, revisiting these spiritual principles is not about regressing to past civilizations but rather about drawing upon our accumulated wisdom to navigate our shared future purposefully. In this way, we can transform adversity into opportunity and guide humanity towards a more enlightened and harmonious existence on this shared spaceship we call Earth. The time to start is now. The place to start is here. The race for higher human consciousness begins with each one of us.
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Published by: Martin De Juan
