The World is Changing, So Am

The world was shocked by the recent disaster that hit Japan. Even the Japanese who are highly trained for earthquake disaster were taken aback by what took place – earthquake, tsunami, oil-pipe explosion and nuclear plant leaked – disaster after disaster. People who watched the news regardless of religion, ethnicity and language shared the same sentiments of sorrow and fear and perhaps also having the same question in mind: Is it the end of the world?

Some astrologers predicted disasters and interpreted them as ‘the day after tomorrow’ even giving the exact date and time. Faithful of world’s religions may have different interpretations and the geniuses of science may call it absurd but everyone settled on the fact that the world is changing. Unfortunately such change is not in our control. It is just a matter of acceptance and submission – accepting that ‘change is the only permanent thing in this world’ (Heraclitus) and submit to the truth it reveals.

I find it personally fascinating how when a disaster devastates a certain place or nation, we immediately feel the sense to stretch our hands and gather for a cause without beseeching. Small or great, everybody is in the mood to help. And we don’t see this happening everyday. Because we don’t see disaster as everyday occurrence or perhaps we categorize disaster as not yet worth the effort and so wait for the perfect timing.

But to help takes sensitivity (compassion) and NOT perfect timing. Between the two is a huge difference. While we do not have power over world disasters like natural calamities, we have power over disasters caused by us like killing, hating and profaning. Disasters like these ensue everyday and are worse than earthquake and tsunami combined. I believe instead of asking if it is the end of the world, it would be more sensible and constructive to raise the question – what can I do to delay its coming? 

Japan needs not so much of our material help but our genuine care, moral support and changed self. If you believe in (a) God, pray, otherwise, be humane.