DHARMA RIDGE & THE EARTH CHARTER
A Sacred Commitment to Life
At Dharma Ridge, we recognize that our lives are woven into the wider fabric of Earth's story.
The Earth Charter, a global declaration of interdependence, justice, and care, resonates deeply with our mission. This document is not just an international treaty or a political aspiration. For us, it's a living prayer.
We honor and embody the Earth Charter as a sacred guide in how we tend to the land, gather in community, and envision a more whole and harmonious future. Below, we invite you to explore the Charter in four soul-rooted themes, each echoing the principles that guide our life here.
"Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life..." - The Earth Charter
I. Respect & Care for the Community of Life
"Every being, seen or unseen, plays a role in the sacred web."
Honor the intrinsic worth of all life, not just for what it offers us, but for simply being. Extend love and compassion to people, animals, plants, waters, and the unseen realms. Cultivate societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful. Live in ways that protect the beauty of the world for generations to come.
II. Ecological Integrity
"The land remembers. May we walk gently."
Restore and protect Earth’s biodiversity and life-sustaining systems. Use natural resources with reverence and restraint. Adopt precautionary approaches to avoid causing harm before it happens. Embrace simplicity, reduce waste, and move toward regenerative living. Share ecological knowledge freely and support global cooperation.
III. Social & Economic Justice
"We are only as whole as the most vulnerable among us."
Eradicate poverty as a spiritual and moral imperative. Share resources with fairness and compassion. Recognize every person’s right to live with dignity, equity, and security. Safeguard the rights and wisdom of Indigenous peoples and all marginalized voices.
IV. Democracy, Nonviolence & Peace
"May our choices create peace from soil to soul."
Strengthen transparent, participatory governance at every level. Empower lifelong learning that fosters sustainability and care. Honor all voices, protect human rights, and reject cruelty in all forms. Promote cultures rooted in dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
How We Live It at Dharma Ridge
Here are a few ways we bring the Earth Charter to life: We hold seasonal rituals to honor ecological cycles. Our gardens and land practices prioritize biodiversity and sustainability. Inclusivity and equity are woven into how we gather and govern. We host learning circles and community conversations grounded in shared values.