Eco spirituality Eng - Robert Athickal sj

Summary

The transcript explores two contrasting philosophical streams regarding the significance of the material world versus the spiritual realm. One perspective posits that the physical world is an illusion, emphasizing the importance of the afterlife, prevalent in many religions, including Christianity. Conversely, the second view, rooted in Indian philosophy, asserts that the world is sacred and embodies divine presence, as echoed in the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of mystics. This eco-spirituality perspective encourages recognizing the divine in all aspects of nature, suggesting that God dwells within everything, inviting deeper reflection and understanding of spirituality in our daily lives.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Two main streams of thought exist in world religions regarding the significance of this world versus the afterlife.
• 🕊️ One stream emphasizes that this world is an illusion, focusing on the importance of the spiritual or inner world.
• 💔 The other stream, prevalent in texts like the Bhagavad-Gita, states that this world is as important as the afterlife, with a divine presence within it.
• 🤝 In this perspective, God is viewed as the friend of the world, emphasizing the sacredness of all creation.
• 🌱 The idea that the world is the body of God suggests that caring for the earth is integral to spiritual fulfillment.
• 🧘‍♂️ Spiritual practices can help individuals feel God's presence in everything around them, transcending conventional imagery of God.
• 👁️ To perceive God in the world, one must open their eyes to see divinity in nature, beyond artistic representations.
• 🔍 This approach to spirituality is sometimes referred to as eco-spirituality, connecting the divine with our earthly home.
• 🌳 The term 'eco' derives from the Greek word 'oikos,' meaning home, linking spirituality with the earth.
• 🌌 Overall, the integration of science and religion is crucial for understanding our relationship with the divine in the context of the natural world.

Q & A

What are the two streams of thinking in world religions mentioned in the transcript?

The first stream suggests that this world is not important and emphasizes the importance of the spiritual or 'inner world.' The second stream asserts that this world is as important as the other, viewing the universe as the body of God.

How does the Indian tradition perceive the relationship between the world and God?

In Indian thought, especially in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna states that he is the friend of the world, suggesting that the world is sacred and can be seen as the body of God.

What perspective does Christian theology provide on the world?

Christian theology, as referenced in the transcript, has streams of thought that also view the world as significant, with figures like the French philosopher and poet Shardor advocating for the idea that caring for the world brings one closer to God.

What does 'eco-spirituality' refer to in the context of this discussion?

Eco-spirituality refers to a spiritual perspective that emphasizes the connection between the divine and the earth, originating from the Greek word 'oikos,' meaning home. It views the earth as the dwelling place of God.

What is the significance of the statement 'God is within this world'?

This statement emphasizes that God is not separate from the world but rather resides within it, suggesting that every element of nature reflects the divine.

How does the speaker suggest we can find God in our surroundings?

The speaker encourages opening one's eyes to see God in everything around us, implying that through spiritual meditation and reflection, we can feel the presence of God in nature and everyday life.

What criticism did Shardor face during his time?

Shardor was condemned during his time for his mystical approach to integrating science and religion, but he is now being rediscovered and appreciated for his views.

Why do people struggle to see God in their environment, according to the transcript?

People struggle to see God because they have been conditioned to envision God in a certain physical form, often based on artistic representations that depict God with a human-like face, which contradicts the concept of God as a spirit without a body.

What does the term 'spiritual meditations' imply in this context?

Spiritual meditations refer to practices that help individuals connect with the divine presence within themselves and the world around them, fostering a deeper awareness and appreciation of spirituality in everyday life.

What call to action does the speaker suggest for understanding eco-spirituality?

The speaker suggests discussing eco-spirituality with friends and asking questions to gurus, encouraging a collective exploration of the idea that God can be found in the world around us.