Environmental Ethics

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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every year. The amount spent on superstitious shows is colossal and can be used on education, health and better livelihood for millions suffering from poverty, basic sanitation, and health facilities. The good persons on whose name there is ostentatious vulgar display never said that they should be worshiped. They only preached good conduct they themselves followed. If out of regard for them, their icons are to be deified and worshiped then, the places of worship should exhibit simplicity not costly marble, golden paintings, platings, ornaments etc. The rituals, processions and ceremonies are not at all necessary. Electric and other decorations cost high and deprive farmers, industries and others who need power. There is very high decibel singing and beating of trumpets causing avoidable noise pollution. Fireworks are also displayed on religious occasions which is sheer waste of money and cause very harmful pollution. There is pernicious practice of immersion of thousands of idols of Ganesha, Dugra etc. in water bodies, tanks and rivers which is highly polluting. Ideally and rationally the places of worship should be peaceful without noise and other disturbances so as to facilitate meditations in order to recollect and imbibe the ideals and precepts of great persons. The crooks, the so called agents of gods and goddesses have devised and perpetuated all the extranganza for their own interest and livelihood by befooling and misleading people in blind faith.
Begger saints and pseudo saints :
Even the well meaning persons who relinquish their family life and become asceties with the purpose of devoting maximum time in meditation, study of scriptures and preaching follow almost the same beaten track of superstitious beliefs. Most of the ascetics or recluses, saints live on alms and begging. To be parasitic as beggars is not a good example for their followers. It is not ideal to run away from challenges of life as a householder and a responsible person. To cope with stresses and strains of life is a great art and challenge. Coping with various situations in life is a long cognitive process which one learns with age and
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