12/15/2009 6:10:00 PM Letter: A statue to honor ‘Mother Earth?’
Editor:
We have been following the building of the Mother Earth statue daily as we drive to and from Cornville. Combine this with the ‘celebration messages’ that abound, and we wonder, is this really the way Mother Earth would want to be honored?
Odd that this center is the “Sedona Mago Retreat Center” and located in Cottonwood - taxes too high in Sedona, or is it that the city is just interested in adding to the coffers at our expense?
It seems with the “congratulatory messages in Sunday’s paper that the City has already ‘approved’ the park, or perhaps is just a clever way to annex.
Outside of Fry’s Grocery this past Saturday, several ‘happy’ young people were distributing flyers for the upcoming the Earth Park grand opening.
Perhaps we should all Google Ilchi Lee and find out for ourselves if this is what we want for Cottonwood.
As our granddaughter so keenly observed, “If the statue is supposed to be Mother Earth, shouldn’t she be brown or black, or at least the color of the earth?”
We doubt seriously that she would really want this kind of a statue.
Here’s our take:
• “Nurture the Earth’s Bounty and precious environment” every day: Be sparing in your use- protect the air and water; protect the creatures; reuse whatever you can daily.
• Thank her for her abundance - from the air and water to the bounty of your garden; put back what you can and share what you can with those who need it: Let’s nurture and share the view of the mountains, not a plastic statue.
• Love humanity and love the earth. Love humanity by helping your community every day in your words and actions: Love the earth by giving back and not over-using or exploiting it.
Perhaps we should ask our local Native American population to advise the Sedona Mago Earth Park on honoring Mother Earth. They have been honoring her quietly, effectively, and respectfully for centuries.
Do we really need to “nurture the earth” and “love humanity” by celebrating a 39-foot statue? Is the statue really to “honor,” or just idol-worshipping?
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Article comment by:
Web Guru
Please note this poll is not just a local poll, but an international poll. As seen here.
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Article comment by:
Explain this?
I don't understand how it is possible that a majority of comments submitted by local citizens (about the giant plastic statue) are negative and yet magically, the Verde poll shows overwhelming positive support for the same giant plastic statue.
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Article comment by:
Kimberly
Thank you for a beautiful ceremony today, and your continuous commitment to the benefit of people and the Earth.
I'm very excited to have this statue of Mago--Mother Earth as an addition to the Verde Valley community and landscape. To me, it represents the sacred nature that is a part of all of us. It is a very unique and powerful inspiration.
The Sedona Mago Retreat center has been bringing visitors, business and terrific spirit into our city for years now, and I'm thankful for it.
All the best to you in your continued efforts and success.
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Article comment by:
smile
I think it looks peaceful and pleasant.
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Article comment by:
Grace Stanley
I have been attending yoga classes at the Ilchi Lee Healing Center in Sedona and the Tao Center in Cottonwood for a year and a half. The people there are the most sincere, giving and loving individuals I have ever met. I credit these classes in large part for the healing of my shoulder. I think what the Tao Fellowship is doing is promoting peace by using a symbol of Mother Earth in the form of a statue. There is no worship happening as some people fear. These are dedicated people who work seven days a week to bring their services to all who enter the Tao Center in Cottonwood for a minimal donation of $5.00 a class. How could anyone misinterpret their actions? They invite all to come together as a community to recognize the need to love our Earth and create peace here now.
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Stephen Patrick
Today I drove by the Mago statue on 89A for the first time and was deeply and pleasantly surprised and moved by what I saw. The statue of 'Mago' Mother Earth stands taller than all the smaller statues of past religious figures and even the church across the street. I really like that. I'm very happy the Sedona Mago group is celebrating something we can all connect to. Thank you!
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Brad
I think that the statue is as out of place as the monstrous church that it sits beside. Remember that the cross was for torture use by the Romans and is now a religion symbol that is worshiped, and I am sure that many of them are made of plastic. Think of how many boys were abused under this banner and then covered up. The leaders of all faiths are human, just like you and I, and are fallible. I feel shame that My community is engaged in a war of religions at all, let alone at a time when peace is the inter- faith message in this holiday season. A young man once said " He who is without sin should cast the first stone." We need to move beyond this hatred of our fellow man and learn who they are on the inside. This has to go beyond tolerance into an acceptance and celebration of our differences. Do you want to tolerated for who you are and what you believe or do not believe? I want to be accepted for who I am and I want to accept all for who they are and this is not easy. I feel that it is the leaders of our community that should not just preach this but practice it in our daily lives. How else will there be lasting peace within our selves, our nation, our world?
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Rev. Leete
This action without the knowledge or consent of the people of Cottonwood
will be a curse on this community for the God most High and the Lord Jesus said there shall not be any other God but ME if the curse of the most High God is what you are after a curse you will have for God will not have any other god take what is his and this Vally has been and still is claimed by him and him alone those that oppose him are looking for disaster to befall them
Rev, Leete
