Theos-Talk Archives (May 1998 Message tt00082)

FOOD, VALUES, AND ECOLOGY	by Roar Bjonnes

" But as evolution is irreversible -- amoebas eventually  evolve into
apes, but apes never transform into amoebas -- Tantra also acknowledges
"higher" and "lower" expressions  of Consciousness. This differentiation
is crucial, and it  is on the basis of this that Tantra and deep-ecology
differ.
The Tantric ecological world-view is both egalitarian  and hierarchical.
Evolution proceeds by expressing more and  more complex beings who are
able to express higher levels  of consciousness. On this evolutionary
ladder, amoebas are  at the "bottom" and humans are at the "top." Within
this  hierarchical system there are various levels of egalitarian
cooperation, but the system as a whole is hierarchical."

Wonder why Roar Bjonnes is so preoccupied with mentioning only the
Tantric tradition.   In India there are many systems other than Tantric.
Even non Tantric Buddhism advocates vegetarianism, and recognises
differences in vegetable versus meat.  While various sects called
generally Hindus, also have the very same concepts.  The Jainas, who
possibly  have the most detailed scriptures regarding this.
Hierarchical development of consciousness is common to all the above
systems.  There is no indication as to when this article was written, it
may be one written years ago.

Sophia TenBroeck

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