The First Principle of the Earth Charter

The First Principle of the Earth Charter
by Rebecca A Field

The Earth Charter articulates a commonly held idea about our key relationships. These four ideas serve as an umbrella covering four areas of human life: the community of life, the Earth, all other people and our ancient yet current yearning for peace. Each principle calls for respect, integrity, economic justice and peace.

Remembering that, according to the Ancient Wisdom tradition, a principle is slightly different from what it is in our everyday understanding, a principle represents an idea of God or Allah or Jehovah, or … that humans can finally get a glimpse of through intuitive understanding. Its foundation is cosmic love in action.

Principle is behind evolution, advancement, and spiritual progress. It calls out to the intuition which, in many people, causes a vibratory frequency of recognition, acknowledgement and acceptance. It does not appeal to the personality, but rather to the soul.

1.The first principle is Respect and Care for the Community of Life.

Notice the tremendous depth of vision that each of the following tenets has. Each has an element of universality and inclusiveness which humanity is now developing and some people are now practicing. There is also the realization that with freedom comes responsibility.

Respect Earth, and Life in its Diversity

1. Recognize that human life and all other life forms are interdependent. My chickens know that! They depend on me for the extra food necessary to survive after they forage.

2. Affirm the dignity and wonder of each being whether human, animal, or plant is and must be recognized and honored. Humans are recognized for their intellectual, artistic, ethical and spiritual potential.

Care for the Community of Life with Understanding, Compassion, and Love.

1. Accept that with the right to own, manage and use natural resources comes the duty to prevent environmental harm and to protect the rights of people.
2. Affirm that with increased freedom, knowledge and power comes increased responsibility to promote the common good.

Build Democratic Societies That Are Just, Participatory, Sustainable and Peaceful

1. Ensure that communities at all levels guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms and provide everyone with the opportunity to realize his full potential.
2. Promote social and economic justice, enabling all to achieve secure and meaningful livelihood that is ecologically responsible.

Secure Earth’s Bounty and Beauty for Present and Future Generations

1. Recognize that the freedom of action of each generation is qualified by the needs of future generations.
2. Transmit to future generations values, traditions and institutions that support the long- term flourishing of Earth’s human and ecological communities.