Sacred Seed - Softcover

4.02

41 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 189035063X ISBN 13: 9781890350635

Publisher: The Golden Sufi Center, 2014

Inspired by physicist and environmental leader Dr. Vandana Shiva, this collection of essays draw on the wisdom of ancient and modern traditions to remind readers of the profound sacredness of the seed—how in its purity, it is the source and renewal of all of life. For centuries the planting of the seed in the earth not only nourished humanity, but also symbolized the mystery of life and the journey of the soul. Yet, modern culture has begun to lose an appreciation of the primal meaning of the seed. Tenderly created from original writings of mystics, shamans, monastics, and priests, and featuring vibrant photos, this book bears witness that the Earth is alive, and establishes that only by working together with the earth—with its wonder and mystery—can we help in its healing and regeneration and once again bring meaning back into the world. The book includes contributions from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, H. H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Pir Zia Inayat-Khan, Swami Veda Bharati, Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Chief Tamale Bwoya, Blu Greenberg, and others.

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About the Author:

Initiated by Dr. Vandana Shiva, and compiled and edited by The Global Peace Initiative of Women (GPIW). Dr. Shiva is a world-renowned environmental leader and the recipient of the Right Livelihood Award. She is the author of several bestselling books, including Earth Democracy, and is a leader and board member of the International Forum on Globalization. GPIW is an interreligious organization that seeks to bring spiritual resources to aid in addressing critical global issues. The basis of their work is the dynamic expression of unity, emerging from the heart of wisdom of the world’s spiritual traditions, and our own hearts, into a new story for the human community. An essential part of this shift is the coming into a sacred relationship with the Earth and all the living forces of the universe.

Review:

“Elevates our dialogue about seeds, and the profound role they hold for the future of all humankind.” —Alice Waters, author, chef, propietor of Chez Panisse

“If life is sacred, then we cannot treat other organisms as if they are cars or computers, we must act with humility, respect and love. This book provides a powerful perspective to temper our unseemly rush to engineer everything within the biosphere.” —David Suzuki, author, The Sacred Seed

“These essays establish, with clarity and eloquence, a single crucial insight: our spiritual well-being and our approach to the use of the Earth for our nourishment are inseparable." —Dr. Rowan Williams, 104th Archbishop of Canterbury

“A reverence for our ancient seeds is essential to our very survival. Sacred Seed explains in beautiful detail how and why we must protect them.” —Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmentalist

“Timely and timeless in its importance. . . . Our care for seeds is one of the most vital things we can do amid our many challenges of the present. These articles light a luminous path forward.” —Mary Evelyn Tucker, codirector, Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale University

“Ever since I watched the women in Bangladeshi farm families carefully saving seed from one generation to the next, I’ve pondered on this greatest symbol of our connection through time to those who came before and those who will come after. This book is a rich storehouse of wisdom for all the springs to come.” —Bill McKibben, founder, 350.org

“'How many are your works, Lord! . . . The earth is full of your creatures . . . teeming with creatures beyond number . . . May the glory of the Lord endure forever.’ (Psalms 104). Whether secular or religious, we must recognize and preserve the bounty of nature or we stand to lose our very humanity.” —James Hansen, former director, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies

"An exquisite poetic testimony that reconnects us to the very web of life." —Osprey Orielle Lake, founder, Women's Earth and Climate Caucus

"The ecological and spiritual ramification of the genetic modification of seeds is the concern of this collection of interfaith writings. . . . More than an essay collection, this is a call for worldwide action." —Publishers Weekly

"This interfaith chorus calls for the preservation of living seeds and biodiversity, and the liberation of nature from the killing grip of corporate control. Beautifully conceived, written, and illustrated, this book of spirit and truth reminds us to cherish and protect life." — Donna Seaman, Booklist

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