Environmental Ethics

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

Page 83

natural rational phenomena of cause and effect was abandoned. Reason was lost that corrective measures can mend the wrongs done was not considered. People by and large find it expedient to attribute various phenomena to some super power rather than to reason out the causes and then plan measures to solve problems. Only a few persons ventured to oppose this irrational belief. They were the first scientists but they were opposed and even ostracised. The continuous pursuit of cause of various phenomena gradually enriched the knowledge of mankind and now causes, effects and remedial measures are available for various diseases, droughts, famines, storms, earthquakes etc. (earlier attributed to wrath of God or various deities and spirits) and the quest is on. If all phenomouna are attributed to one almighty God, then there will be no inquisitiveness and urge to know truth or discover any thing. It was negation of God, may be unconsciously that led to all more and more newer discoveries.
Wily, selfish persons exploited and misguided gullible people in the mire of rituals and occult practices. Superstitious traditions are still persisting in modern era particularly in tribal and rural societies and also even in educated people. Burning by hot iron rods at various body points is still in vouge to cure diseases. Gods and goddesses are propitiated by scarifices of innocent animals and even children and other offerings to beg cure of diseases and also for good rains, harvest, well being, fortune etc. The writings of great saints were adulterated and additions were made in the name of original authors to perpetuate superstitions. In one of most venerated holy book in India the God incarnation has been quoted that whenever there is wrong, evil and misery he will come, materialise in human from and solve the problems and vanish the evil. It implies clearly that the human beings need not bother, keep sitting, suffering and waiting for someone from somewhere to come and do things for them. No good and sensible person can advise such inaction. For example environment has been
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