Theos-Talk Archives (December 2006 Message tt00269)

Friends, 


How are we to distinguish what action is in line with Nature and 
what is not? In other words, how to know what is right and proper, 
so as not to disturb nature's harmony?

This question appeared in 2005 at the "Q & A" section of "The 
Theosophical Movement" magazine, which is published in India by ULT 
associates. The Answer says: 

"This is a large and central question of Ethics. Surely, what is 
right and proper is that which is always in line with 'Nature and 
Nature's laws.' Mr. Judge gives another criterion: 'Good' is that 
which is pleasing to Ishwara (God) within. It is always in harmony 
with our deepest feelings or intuitive knowledge."

The magazine goes on: 

"Besides these, we need to know, at least theoretically, the laws of 
nature—visible and invisible, pertaining to the choices to be made. 
Ethics and ethical principles are mainly based, not on traditional 
belief system, but on the right knowledge of nature, of man, and of 
cosmos. This knowledge can be applied, as the case may be, either in 
the matter of hygiene, or in the matter of mental and moral health, 
or a child's upbringing and education, as also in all departments of 
life. Knowledge—intellectual and intuitive—alone is the key to right 
discrimination and action."

What about the intuition? 

"Before we consider the role of intuition as a 'guiding angel' for 
the purpose of discrimination, the fundamental principles of 
Theosophy should be consulted and applied in every case under 
consideration. For instance, in the nature of things, most animals 
and vegetation sleep during the night, which is nature's provision 
to preserve health and life of the creatures. But man can break 
nature's cycle, and act not 'in line with nature.' He may remain 
active all night and sleep during the day. Expert opinion states 
that even when he may have adjusted well with this new cycle he may 
have to pay the price in some form or other. No one can survive long 
after taking a dose of a deadly potion. These are just physical 
examples of the ways of nature and how they affect us. We may 
apparently escape the immediate consequences of disobeying certain 
known laws of nature. But the price will have to be paid. (...)" 

This ethical principle applies not only to individual, but also to 
collective life. 

Living according to Nature is the essence of the idea of a 
sustainable development, which the U.N. approved in its 1992 
Conference in Brazil --  as well as a deep philosophical quest for 
any individual. 

You can see the whole text on "action in line with Nature" at 

http://www.teosofia.com/Mumbai/7510questions.html .


Best regards,   Carlos.