Liana Tirta Sari
In the Hindu tradition, there is a concept called “Tri Hita Karana”, which refers to three sources of true happiness: (1) a harmonious relationship between humans and God, (2) a harmonious relationship between humans and others, and (3) a harmonious relationship between humans and the universe.
But honestly … I want to ask. When we litter … is that harmonious? When we let plastic float in the ocean … is that harmonious? When we stand idly by and watch trees being cut down for fleeting interests … is that what constitutes a believer?
Our holy book refers to the earth as “Mother Earth”. And today, our Mother is sick. Not because of a natural disaster, but because of our negligence.
In this forum, some worship on Fridays, some on Sundays, some every morning and evening. We come from different scriptures, different prayers, different ways of addressing God. But let me ask you … Does our God teach us to destroy? I’m sure the answer is the same: NO. So if we’re all taught to protect, why is our environment still being destroyed? The answer is one: because we haven’t been brave enough to act together. We’re too busy arguing about our differences, while the earth we all walk on is crying out for help.
Hindu youth have a spirit we call “Dharma”, a sacred duty. And today’s sacred duty isn’t just about rituals or ceremonies at the temple. Today’s Dharma is (1) carrying a shopping bag, not a plastic bag, (2) planting trees, not cutting them down, and (3) speaking out when environmental policies are ignored. And being present, as we are today … not just to talk, but to commit. I’m not asking you to become Hindus. I’m asking you to be earth warriors, whether you’re Hindu, Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Confucian, or whatever you believe. Because the earth doesn’t care what our religion is. The Earth simply asks: are you taking care of me?
Before I close, I want us to make a small agreement today. Not an agreement on paper. But an agreement in our hearts. Starting today, take one concrete step. You can plant one tree. You can reduce plastic use. You can invite one friend. Because big changes start with the courage of young people who refuse to be silent. And we … we are here. We care. We are moving. ***
