You might have heard this request for forgiveness from your Jain friends towards the end of Paryushan, which is their spiritual and fasting period around August-September. Jains ask for forgiveness from everyone - be it people, animals, plants - basically, all life forms. A very noble thought indeed! We all commit mistakes. It's good to realize that and apologise, with the intention of not repeating them.
Jainism is one of the most sustainability-oriented philosophies in the world, which is also practiced widely. Jainism believes that there is 'jiva' (life) in all living forms. All life forms must be treated with utmost respect and they should not be hurt in any way. Nonviolence is a basic tenet of Jainism and has to be practiced towards everyone - be it fellow human beings, animals, vegetation or even microbes. Jain sages wear a piece of cloth over their mouths and noses, so that even smallest form of life form does not get killed accidentally by inhalation or ingestion.
The concept of seeking forgiveness is being imbibed by many other people too. I admire that, but wonder, when will we, the human race, say 'Michhami Dukkadam' to the planet?
The concept of seeking forgiveness is being imbibed by many other people too. I admire that, but wonder, when will we, the human race, say 'Michhami Dukkadam' to the planet?
Isn't creating waste and pollution, a form of violence?
Isn't mindless consumption, a form of violence?
Isn't endangering fellow creatures for momentary convenience, a form of violence?
Isn't endangering fellow creatures for momentary convenience, a form of violence?
Have a look at these pictures:
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| A beach littered with washed up waste in Maldives. Picture source - greenkarma360.com |
The planet is riddled with billions of tons of waste - Picture Source- Pixabay
That mangled plastic bottle? Yeah, it's the same as you threw away when you were too lazy to fill your own reusable one.
That plastic bag? It's the one that you had mindlessly used while grocery shopping. You could have carried your own cloth bag.
That Ziploc...it might be the one in which you had packed your lunch when you could have used a reusable container.
And those disposables...remember the parties you threw or attended over the years? Plastic cutlery, styrofoam plates, takeaways, packaging - everything is in this great garbage stew, the likes of which dot our planet from end to end.
Though you might have religiously put your waste in recyclable bins, the bad news is that almost 90% of plastic waste doesn't get recycled. Also, those soiled sandwich bags and dirty styrofoam plates are beyond recycling.
Though you might have religiously put your waste in recyclable bins, the bad news is that almost 90% of plastic waste doesn't get recycled. Also, those soiled sandwich bags and dirty styrofoam plates are beyond recycling.
So where does all this garbage finally land?
It violates the earth.
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| A usual sight in many countries. Picture Source : Pixabay |
It violates the oceans.
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| Litter swept down from the sea, Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean |
It violates animals.
Cows ingesting disposables and falling sick. Picture source - Greenkarma360.com
It violates birds.
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| Albatross in Midway Atoll, Pacific Ocean. Picture Source: Chris Jordan. |
And it violates our own health and senses.
It's high time we say Michhami Dukkadam to Mother Earth.
Ask forgiveness for our past misdeeds and resolve not to commit the same mistakes again.
How?
- By bringing an eco-consciousness in everyday consumption.
- Making earth-friendly choices in day-to-day living.
- Whenever we buy or do something, run a quick litmus test on how the stuff would get disposed. How would it impact our planet? Would it hurt someone when disintegrating? If yes, think of the least damaging alternative and go for that instead.
Follow:
- Reduce, Reduce and Reduce.
- Reuse, Repair, Repurpose and last of all, Recycle.
- Practice BYO - Bring your own bag, cutlery, plates, water etc. for outings, takeaways, parties and get-togethers.
- Dispose disposables. Single use products are a bane to earth's resources. Remember, the cost of our convenience is someone's life.
- Choose stuff with no or minimal packaging. Write to corporates to reduce packaging.
- Speak up when you see something that can be changed in your community or workplace.
- Think. Think of the tweaks in your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly.
There are tons of ways and helpful websites, if we have the will. We just need to take that step.
The earth is beautiful, kind and giving. It might still forgive us, if we mean 'Michhami Dukkadam' with all our collective hearts - NOW!
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