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In December 2007, I went to Taean Peninsula, South Korea, to help clean up one of the world's worst oil spills. I could not experience the natural smell of the ocean because the oil’s odor was being carried by the wind.
Taean has been one of South Korea's most-famous resort beaches. But after this huge disaster, the oil lay on the beach four inches deep. The sad news is that the complete recovery of Taean’s beautiful and pristine ecology will take several decades.
On the rocks of the beach, many volunteers – citizen from all walks of life, military personnel, and Kook Hak Won (Traditional Korean Cultural Institute) members – all in white prevention dress, were very diligently cleaning the stones over and over again. I joined and cleaned with them, glad and grateful that I was there to help, with this gesture of the Earth’s healing.
Looking at the ocean and beach, many of us gave deep sighs. But soon these sighs changed to smiles in order for us to encourage each other. Based on the strong feelings that we experienced there and then, we all seemed to make a silent, collective promise to save and protect our Earth.
I believe this great tragedy of the oil spill eventually will be seen as a precious incident of awakening all of us to the principle that Heaven, Earth and Human are truly all one.
If all people can feel that they are indeed one, and if we can create the future that people and the Earth protect each other and coexist, then now is not a time of deep despair, but a time of genuine hope for us.
There is still a need for people to help with the cleaning on the Taean beaches. If you live in South Korea, I recommend that you make a visit to Taean, along with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
There lies a precious enlightenment.
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Thank you for your action & warm heart