A golden opportunity
In light of the disparate pieces of archaeological evidence and cutting-edge science, Lin believes that 2012 will not be doomsday. The Earth will keep turning, mankind will keep on; the only difference would be the possibility of greater frequency and severity of natural disasters.
If it does happen, how should we deal with the changes?
"We can't stop winter from coming, but we can put on warm clothes to deal with the cold," Lin analogizes.
As NASA holds meetings, monitors the situation and launches probes such as the Solar Dynamics Observatory with a view to providing an early warning system and making thorough contingency plans, Lin calls on governments to be better prepared, training for every conceivable disaster contingency, while also drawing upon Taiwan's ample disaster-preparedness knowledge for "disaster relief diplomacy."
As for us as individuals, Lin reminds us that we can't know the future for certain. What we can do is not waste time pointlessly worrying; instead we should calm our minds, read good books, listen to music, practice calligraphy, meditate, or do some gardening. Keep your spirits up, keep yourself in good physical condition, and do things that make you happy. "The greatest source of joy is helping others!" he says.
Having been involved in both religious and scientific circles for years, Chen Kuo-gen, physics professor at Soochow University and chairman of the Om-Ar-Hone Buddhist Foundation, states that regarding so-called "Earth changes," the universe and nature have their cyclical patterns, and the Earth has already undergone many massive changes since its formation 4.5 billion years ago, bringing a great impact to living things. This has nothing to do with divine will, and there is no need to pontificate with ethical platitudes like "good people earn good karma."
But he cautions us not to underestimate ourselves: "Despite human frailty, we have a certain degree of effect on the universe." If everyone can maintain good thoughts, we can transform and reconcile the situation so that should a catastrophe strike, at least we can join together to weather the storm. This is the only means of surmounting the disaster.
Lee Hsin-ping, renowned author and advertiser, has a particular interpretation of the 2012 prophecy, equating possible future catastrophes with the "kicks" in the movie Inception: "Through such 'kicks,' we can give our souls a greater level of awareness!" She also sees the various 2012 prophecies as different "editions," stressing that everyone can make their own choices.
Lee quotes Indian guru Osho from his book Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously: "Don't call it uncertainty, call it wonder. Don't call it insecurity, call it freedom.... In total freedom, with all the possibilities opening, nothing fixed, you will have to be aware; there's no other choice." By realizing the feelings these doomsday prophecies give us, we can elevate and transform ourselves. This is what's most important.
Thus, no matter whether 2012 brings providence or doom, you will have started a new life for yourself!
Our knowledge about the universe is severely limited. Above left is a composite image of the planets in our solar system taken by various space probes; on the facing page is an artist's impression of stellar flares on the red dwarf star EV Lacertae; at lower right is a solar prominence photographed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory space probe launched in February.
(above) The movie 2012 is based in the idea that solar storms can trigger earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. This worldwide hit is a typical Hollywood-style movie, with action, special effects and complex emotional entanglements. But it did little to settle the varied beliefs about the year 2012.
Former deputy defense minister Lin Chong-pin is deeply interested in the 2012 prophecy. He believes that the cycles of heavenly bodies can affect the Earth's magnetism, but this does not mean the end of the world is coming. People just need to be prepared in order to minimize the effect of any disaster. The big quake in Chile earlier this year is a prime example of the effect of good preparedness.
(facing page) There have been numerous doomsday prophecies throughout Western history. The 2012 prophecy is merely the latest, requiring us to face the facts squarely with calm discussion to dispel uncertainties. Pictured here is last May's volcanic eruption at the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland.