SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY is a groundbreaking book, fostering the emergence of the "Spiritual Ecology Movement," which recognises the need for a spiritual response to our present ecological crisis. 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 SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY is a groundbreaking book, fostering the emergence of the "Spiritual Ecology Movement," which recognises the need for a spiritual response to our present ecological crisis. 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. This is vital and necessary if we are to help bring the world as a living whole back into balance. The first edition of Spiritual Ecology drew an overwhelmingly positive response from readers.
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. SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY speaks with the voices of many different traditions, but with the single note of love for the Earth and the knowing that Her cry has begun to be heard. Authors include: Thich Nhat Hanh, Vandana Shiva, Joanna Macy, Wendell Berry, Sandra Ingerman, Richard Rohr, Bill Plotkin, Mary Evelyn Tucker, Brian Swimme, Oren Lyons and others
Industry Reviews
"This book takes us beyond--though not around--the grief and despair that the ecological crisis evokes. Herein lies an authentic possibility of healing through a transformation in our own ways of knowing, relating, and being." --Charles Eisenstein, author, Sacred Economics and The Ascent of Humanity, www.charleseisenstein.net "Like life herself, she thrums with the sounds of nature--and this book left me thrumming too. Our natural state is as one when we accord with natures' own laws and when we align our being with nature; that is where we find peace. This book is a step in that journey for us all to find peace." --Polly Higgins, Advocate for Earth Law, award-winning author, Eradicating Ecocide and Earth is our Business, ecologist and voice for the Earth "What ails us is deeper than what's easily measurable by economics or science. Spiritual Ecology is a collection of profound writings by some of the wisest among us about the depths of the crisis and the wellsprings of redemption." --David W. Orr, Oberlin College, author, founder The Oberlin Project "Despite the gloomy ecological outlook, these essays exude optimism in their belief that love and harmony can prevail over greed and insanity. They are eloquent and passionate pleas for the planet." --Publishers Weekly [review of the first edition]
"Spiritual Ecology elegantly repairs the most fundamental systems error in our relationship with the Earth: the celebration of the sacredness and oneness of all life . . . This book is a must-read and will elevate your spirit, expand your vision, and nourish your heart." --Kenny Ausubel, co-founder, Bioneers; author, Dreaming the Future: Reimagining Civilization in the Age of Nature and The Bioneers: Declarations of Interdependence
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
