86 87 From Buddhism The Endangered Symphony of Life. Spiritual Below-Surface Dimensions of the Ecological Crisis As part of the PILGRIM SEMINAR "Why we need a shift towards real sustainability", which was held in cooperation with the University College for Agricultural and Environmental Education and the Danube University Krems on 29 September 2021, PD Mag. Dr Ernst Fürlinger (Research Lab Democracy & Society in Transition, Danube University Krems) gave a lecture on the spiritual below-surface dimension of the ecological crisis. Thich Nhat Hanh: "The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology" Fürlinger placed the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, who was already dealing with the ecological crisis in the 1970s, at the centre of his observations and reflections. He is an important bridge builder between Buddhism and Christianity and repeatedly emphasises the importance of spirituality for the survival of humanity. Central to overcoming the ecological crisis is alertness, which helps people to perceive the destruction – but without losing sight of the beauty and vitality of the world. Alertness and presence enable people to see clearly the state of the earth that is within us and that we ourselves are (in contrast to the concept of “Umwelt” – what is around us –, the environment). " Our way of walking on the Earth has a great influence on animals and plants. Yet we act as if our daily lives have nothing to do with the condition of the world. We are like sleepwalkers, not knowing what we are doing or where we are heading." (Thich Nhat Hanh) The healing of the earth can only happen together with the healing of the individual. The individual, society and nature are inextricably linked. Dualistic thinking – here nature, there man – must be overcome, because it is the root of the ecological crisis. Mindfulness is a path to healing man and a path to healing nature. Among other things, he suggests the following mindfulness exercise: "I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my community by practising mindful eating, drinking and consuming." (Thich Nhat Hanh) Above all, however, it is also about creating an environment in which people can heal themselves and become free from anxiety, fear and the distraction of the mind. The aim is to find a lifestyle that is free from destructiveness. Finally, Fürlinger presented a mindfulness exercise that could be practised during the lunch that followed in the EVI organic food shop and restaurant: "When I hold a bowl of rice or a piece of bread, I know that I am fortunate, and I feel compassion for all those who have no food to eat and are without friends or family. This is a very deep practice. We do not need to go to a temple or a church in order to practise this. We can practise it right at our dinner table." (Thich Nhat Hanh) Thich Nhat Hanh: “The World We Have: A Buddhist Approach to Peace and Ecology“ (2008) „Love Letter to the Earth“ (2013) Image © Johann Hisch
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