Spiritual Ecology

The first edition of this book fostered the emergence of the "Spiritual Ecology Movement," which recognizes the need for a spiritual response to our present ecological crisis. It drew an overwhelmingly positive response from readers, many of whom are asking the simple question, "What can I do?" This second expanded edition offers new chapters, including two from younger authors who are putting the principles of spiritual ecology into action, working with their hands as well as their hearts. It also includes a new preface and revised chapter by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, that reference two major recent events: the publication of Pope Francis's encyclical, "On Care for Our Common Home," which brought into the mainstream the idea that "the ecological crisis is essentially a spiritual problem"; and the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference, which saw representatives from nearly 200 countries come together to address global warming, including faith leaders from many traditions. Bringing together voices from Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity, and Native American traditions, as well as from physics, deep psychology, and other environmental disciplines, this book calls on us to reassess our underlying attitudes and beliefs about the Earth and wake up to our spiritual as well as physical responsibilities toward the planet.

"It's hard to imagine finding a wiser group of humans than the authors represented here, all of them both thinkers and do-ersin the greatest battle humans have ever faced. AN EPIC COLLECTION!" —Bill McKibben, founder, 350.org

"This book provides fresh thinking about the spiritual approaches of consciously and consistently making the right choices, each of us within our respective sphere of influence." —Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

"Some of the most inspiring voices on behalf of our living planet speak forth with power and clarity in this hugely important and timely book. Their words help us find our true home and our rightful place within the great turning world of Nature." —Stephan Harding, Ph.D, author, Animate Earth: Science, Intuition and Gaia; founding member Schumacher College

"In ancient times, oracles were consulted in order to translate the winds of the gods into wise counsel for the living to come. This gathering of elders from all over the globe assembled by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee in Spiritual Ecology is nothing short of a modern oracle whose voices translate the wisdom of the Earth we must care for. Whatever your passion or work, read this book to better know the irreplaceable ground we all depend on." —Mark Nepo, author, Seven Thousand Ways to Listen and The Book of Awakening

"Spiritual Ecology is a superb collection of thoughtful pieces by people who have gone deep to understand our relations with the Earth. It comes at a crucial time for humanity." —Barry Lopez, landscape photographer, author, Arctic Dreams (winner National Book Award), Of Wolves and Men, Crossing Open Ground, About This Life

"This book carries urgently needed messages for everyone on the planet. I know this because I have witnessed how damaging human impact is on natural ecosystem function and how little time we have left to change this. It is our choice and it is our responsibility to act with courage and wisdom. Spiritual Ecology is helping to lead the transition by amplifying the Earth's voice that we so badly need to hear." —John D. Liu, director, Environmental Education Media Project, senior research fellow IUCN, visiting fellow, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije University, Amsterdam

"THIS BOOK IS A CALL TO ACTION. It requires us to put down everyday concerns that preoccupy our minds and listen with our hearts to the testaments of how desperately the earth needs us. At every moment, our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are nurtured by the earth and yet, we are indifferent to this fact as we go about our way pursuing material success. This book is a timely reminder that we must find balance in our lives and give to others as much as we receive from the earth. We must develop compassion for all the living beings that suffer even as we benefit and we must generate courage to make a change in our own behavior. I thank the authors in the book for reinforcing my commitment to protect the earth as much as is in my power." —His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Triney Droje, www.kagyuoffice.org

"In many voices, Spiritual Ecology speaks a profound and essential truth, inspiring us all to listen to the cry, deepen our personal reflection, and expand the circle of conversation about our connection with Earth and with each other. Our human future depends on recognizing and embracing Earth as a sacred living being, our birth mother, the source of our nurture, and beyond price." —David Korten, author, The Great Turning and Agenda for a New Economy, co-founder, board chair, YES! magazine

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee is a Sufi teacher who has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He is the founder of the Golden Sufi Center and is the author of more than 20 books, including For Love of the Real, Return of the Feminine and the World Soul, and Prayer of the Heart.