In the past we were diverse peoples who were intrinsically local. Because of that locality we had temples or places of worship, ceremonial caves, buildings or mountaintops.
Those places were focal points for a projection and deeper understanding of Life Worship. We attempted, through practice, and ritual to participate in a shared devotion to the everlasting life presence that animates all and allows for the seemingly endless cycling of forms.
Phenomena born of spirit. To return to spirit.
We are now distributed, a diaspora of souls, but many of us share an internal locality. A lighthouse we carry within us that is basically our own vision or ideal of a utopia or paradise on earth, or, at the very least an ideal of ‘the good life’. The modern age of the technosphere functions by digesting these forms faster than they can regenerate - trees no longer reach old growth, rivers more often than not don’t make it to the sea before being dammed and siphoned, mountains are levelled to be turned into phones and landfill. The old world of the womb has become the new world of the tomb.
In response, the ever present life force of compassion, love and caring seeks expression. Creatively, and at times chaotically, it emerges and takes hold like weeds that so regularly re-populate denuded landscapes.
I believe (though still cautious of beliefs) Permaculture as a concept and design science is a modern temple. Perhaps not a religion and I am not a ‘believer’ as such - because in this universe of infinity, I kind of think -'anything goes'. It is though, a structure of thought we enter into to imagine a new world of growth and diversity. A framework upon which we scaffold our visions of sharing and abundance like tapestries that are early morning like a roosters call. That are imbued with the spirit of the full moon like a foxes midnight scream. There is a deep Yin energy in the force right now and it is giving birth. Seeds are on the wind. Species and memes have spread into the nooks and cracks in the empire’s pavement and in countless pieces of fresh new ground disturbed by the falling of the big monsters we once struggled to grow under - their shadows were dark and the winter long.
Every successful harvest at the small scale creates a problem of surplus (too many cherries on one tree and too many zucchinis at once). The problem ushers in the solution - sharing and trade. The bringing together of people to rejoice in their works with nature. The joy we feel when we present these offerings is visceral and destroys the consumerist voodoo doll we have been wearing for too long and its remote-controlled sadnesses.
Too many eggs and a large honey harvest and we are desperate to share with relatives - not to show off but to invite in. Look at what we can have! Look at what our time can yield.
We are entering the temple and it is not what we have been taught. It is not restrictive and sullen but open and promising. I am re-entering that temple now after some years in the wilderness and I can tell you it gives me hope and purpose and plenty to celebrate. You can call it what you want, the name does not matter, but anytime you are seeing your actions as benefitting a wider circle of belonging and a larger cycle of time than this round of the mortal coil can give you - whether that is building something of lasting beauty, planting an oak tree or teaching a child, then my dear reader, we are in temple together.
Bless your life.