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Laporan Akhir Skim Geran Penyelidikan Fundamental (FRGS) Pindaan 112015A RESEARCH TITLE: MEMBANGUN SATU MODEL 'TAMAN BOTANIK 'SainS' YANG MENSINERGIKAN UNSUR SAINS DAN SASTERA (PUISI)
PHASE & YEAR: 2015 START DATE:01 JUNE 2012 END DATE:31 MEl 2014
EXTENSION PERIOD (DATE): RMC LEVEL: 30 NOVEMBER 2014 KPM LEVEL:
PROJECT LEADER: PROF. DR SOHAIMI ABDUL AZIZ lie! PASSPORT NUMBER: 600118075235
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THE HUMANISTIC DIMENSION OF NATURE AS REFLECTED IN POETRY: A
PERSPECTIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FROM MALAYSIA POET
(PUBLISH IN OIDA INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. VOL.5,NO.5, pp.119-126,
2012)
RETHINKING THE CONCEPT OF BOTANIC GARDEN: THE HUMANISTIC DIMENSION OF NATURE IN SELECTED OF POEMS OF MUHAMMAD HJ. SALLEH
(ACCEPTED FOR PUBLISH IN MALAY LITERATURE 2015)
76-100% 100%
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THE HUMANISTIC DIMENSION OF NATURE AS REFLECTED IN POETRY: A
PERSPECTIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FROM MALAYSIA POET
-INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2012
(NEW JERSEY, USA) THE HUMANISTIC DIMENSION OF NATURE AS REFLECTED POEMS OF
MUHAMMAD HJ. SALLEH: CONCRETIZING THE CONCEPT OF THE
UNIVERSITY IS A GARDEN-2014 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON SOCIAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS
INDONES
MODEL VISUAL TAMAN BOTANI SainS (DVD Rom)
' , HljMANCAPITAL DEVELOPMENT , , '. Number .> On-going Graduated
Malaysian Non Malaysian Non Malaysian Malaysian 1 GOVRI AlP P.RISHIYA 7408141450861 SHMOO11/10 ~ I
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Taman Botani merupakan satu taman yang mempamerkan pelbagai sepsis tumbuhan. Di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) telah dibangunkan satu taman botanic yang keci! yang dikenali sebagai USM eco-hub yang menjadi satu aspek penting daripada konsep 'Universiti di dalam Taman' yang dibangunkan oleh USM dalam tahun 2001-2002 di mana wujudnya jalinan di antara peranan university sebagai satu intitusi pengajian tinggi dan alam sebagai sebahagian daripada Jatar ekoJogikal global. Oi dalam eco-hub ini terdapat pelbagai jenis tumbuh-tumbuhan yang wujud semenjak dahulu kala lagi dan yang baru di tanam. Melalui konsep 'Universiti di dalam Taman', flora dan fauna, unsur aquatik dan pelbagai ciptaan alam yang lain dihubungkan secara dinamik dan di dalam eksplorasi pengetahuan dan kehidupan alamiah. Eco-hub USM merupakan satu kawasan berhutan di kampus utama USM yang menjadi sebagaian daripada eko-sistem USM. Kajian ini akan member perhatian kepada Zan 8 Eco-hub di mana terdapat 5 sub-zones yang di dalamnya terdapat pelbagai tumbuhan yang ada kaitannya dengan dua buah antologi puisi yang menjadi teks kajian ini.
Namun taman Botanik yang ada sekarang ini seperti di Universiti Cambridge tidak memperlihatkan sine ei sastera dan sains memancarkan hubun manusia den an alam. Sehubun an itu ian ini
akan membangunkan satu model yang mensenergikan sains dan sastera yang dikenali sebagai model "Taman Botani 'SainS" Akronim 'SainS' merupakan singkatan kepada 'sa ins dan sastera'. Kajian ini akan menjadikan 'eko-hub' USM sebagai tempat di mana model ini dibangunkan.
Bagi membina model ini, dua buah karya sastera yang dihasilkan oleh dua penyair terkenal di Malaysia iaitu Muhammad Hj. Salleh (Sebutir Zamrud di Deru Selat: Sajak-Sajak Alam USM, 20016) dan Marzuki Ali (Khazanah segala Rimbun, 2011). Mereka telah menulis sejumlah puisi memperkatakan pelbagai tumbuhan seperti akasia, cemara, cenerai, helikonia, jambu laut, jati, bongak, dudur, tembusu, angsana, mengkudu dan bayak lagi yang terdapat di kamus USM termasuklah di eco-hub USM. Penyair-penyair ini punya pengetahuan tentang nama tumbuh-tumbuhan ini hasil daripada pengalaman dan penyeHdikan yang dibuat. Tumbuh-tumbuhan ini telah diberikan roh kemanusiaan dengan menajdikan unusr ala mini sebagai tamsil kehidupan. Kaedah analisis teks akan digunakan dalam menkaji dua buah karya sastera ini. kemudian data yang diambil daripada karya sastera ini akan dikonkritkan dengan data di ecO-hub USM tentang pelbagai tumbuhan yang ada. Tumbuhan-tumbuhan ini akan dianalisis daripada pelbagai aspek seperti nama sainstifik, sejarah. Deskripsi bentuk, pengunaannya (farmakologi) dan unsur kemanusiaan seperti mengikut puisi-puisi yang dikaji. Kemudian data ini akan digunakan untuk mengkaji plot taburannya dengan menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografi (GIS). Di da'am kontes gis, Spatial analysis yang akan digunakan melibatkan beberapa properties seperti topological, geometric dan geographis properties. Jenis-jenis spatial analysis yanga akn digunakan diantaranya ialah spatial autocorrelation, spatial interpolation, spatial regression, spatial interaction dan simulation dan modeling. Hasil kajian ini nanti akan terhasil satu model "taman Botanik SainS" dimana terjalin sinergi di antara sastera dan sains.
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The Humanistic Dimension of Nature as Reflected in Poetry: A Perspective of Sustainable Development from Malaysian Poets
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz
Universiti Sains Malaysia - School of Humanities
December 5, 2012
OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development. Vol. 5. No.5 PO. 119-126.2012
Abstract:
Society today is very concemed about the issues of sustainable development which comprises of three related
elements; environment, economy and social. Unfortunately, the role of literature in propagating the awareness of sustainable development is not very prominent. Literature has been perceived as irrelevant in this contact. This paper will discuss how literature such as poetry can play an impo,,!ant role to contribute to this sustainable development
awareness. By using ecological criticism, this paper will show how poetry written by two Malaysian authors give an
important dimension to nature such as flora and fauna, i.e., the humanistic dimension. This humanistic dimension of
flora and fauna has translated the closeness of man to nature and consequently it has created the sense of loving the
nature. To love the nature is an important element towards sustainable development. With the ability of this poetry to
heave the human dimension of nature, the awareness of sustainable development which involves the environmental, economic and social activities, which are designed not only to meet the needs of the present but also for the generation to come, will be nurtured and sustained especially among the poetry readers.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 8
Keywords: ecological criticism, humanistic dimension, nature, poetry, sustainable development
Accepted Paper Series
Date posted: December 5.2012
Suggested Citation
AiiZ;·S(;'l1aiITiiAbdul,TheHUmanislic biinen5iono{Nature a·s Reftededin Poeiry: A Perspeciiveof
'Sustainable Oevelopment from Malaysian Poels (December 5, 2012). OIDA International Journal of 'Sustainable Development, Vol. 5, No.5, pp. 119-126,2012. Available at SSRN:
http://ssrn.comJabstract=2165556
Contact Information
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz (Contact Author)
Universiti Sains Malaysia - School of Humanities {~ 1
Minden, Penang 11600 Malaysia
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5
The Humanistic Dimension of Nature as Reflected in
Poetry: A Perspective of Sustainable Development
From Malaysian Poets*
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz
School of Humanities, UniversitiSains Malaysia
11800 Penang Malaysia soaazz@usm.my
© Ontario International Development Agency. ISSN 1923-6654 (print)
rSSN ) 923-6662 (onIine). Available at http://www.ssrn.comJlinklOIDA-Intl-Journal-Sustainable-Dev.html
Abstract
Society today, is very concerned about the issues of sustainable development, which comprises of three related elements; environment, economy and social. Unfortunately, the role of literature in propagating the awareness of sustainable development is not very prominent. Literature has been
perceived as irrelevant in this contact. This paper will discuss how literature such as poetry can play an influential role to contribute to this sustainable development awareness. By using eco-criticism, this paper will show how poetry written by two Malaysian poets gives an prominent dimension to nature, that is, the humanistic dimension. This humanistic dimension has translated the closeness of man to nature, and consequently, it has created the sense of loving the nature. Nature is part of the environment and to love nature is an important element in sustainable development. The ability of poetry to heave the humanistic dimension of nature, will nurture the awareness of the concept of sustainable development, especially among the poetry readers.
Keywords: sustainable development; environmental development, poetry; humanistic dimension; eco-criticism; ecological ethics
Introduction
In 1987, the United Nations Commission on Environment Development Word (UNCED), chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway issued a famous report -'Brundtland Report' which was published in Our Common Future (1987). This report has brought about a shift in thinking, planning and action in human life, which is becoming complicated, stressful and
alarming.
In 1970s, there was a report from a project on the predicament of mankind by the Club of Rome, and published under the title, The Limits to Growth (1974/2004). This report says that, uncheck limited resources of the economic growth, and consumptionwill
bring disaster to human being. The emergence of this report sparked a great concern that the worldwill
run out of resources, and this development will bring disaster to mankind. Nevertheless, this report was interpreted a,s a move to hinder the economic and social development. What was interesting, the concern of the re~ort did not materialize because the major resources such as oil was still available and as a result,' the report was neglected. Eventually, the economic development proceeded more rapidly, Many efforts were made to increase the development of primary resources such as oiL For Exampie, oii-producing countries had increased their oil production and new areas of potential oil drilling were discovered and explored.Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
After the report had been ignored, the economic development continued to grow rapidly in various industrial sectors. Moreover, the development of the information and communication technology
*Paper presented at the International Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey) 07043, USM. July 31,2012 - August 02) 2012.
has contributed tremendously the economic development for the past decades. Nevertheless, the unchecked economic development had created a major problem associated with the environmental pollution, such as, desertification, deforestation, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, the depletion of the ozone layer, the flooding of toxic substances, and the extinction of animal and plant species. The environmental problems begin to hunt human being and this kind of economic development has raised fears among the develop countries, and immediately it becomes a global issue. Eventually; the United Nations Organization has taken the initiative to control this horrified development. Thus, a secretariat was formed and known as UNCED and chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland. After a few years of research around the globe, the commission issued a renowned report, called the IBrundtland Report', which introduces the concept of sustainable development:
... meets the needs of the present without compromising the future ability of own generation to meet their needs (World Commission on Environment and Development - WeED, 1987: 43, cited in Lawn, 2001: 14).
The concept of sustainable development in 'Brundtland Report' is quite general, and it has invited various interpretations wi.th regard to ~ne meaning of sustainable development snecifically the {ii€anirig of cconoii',lc G€;;..eIDprnent. As a resUlt, the conCept of econornic de1i€:lopnl€:nt ,'las been studied, and further recommendations have been made pertaining to environmental development. According to Simon Dresner:
Environmental protection and economic development was a through a new approach: sustainable development (Dresner, 2008: 1)
As mentioned earlier, the concept of development in 1970s was often associated merely with economic development and the environmental aspect had been ignored. The emerging of the concept of sustainable development has made the concept of development be reinterpreted. Environmental issues have become heated issues. economic and social developments are associated with environmental pollution. As a result, future economic development should encompasses environmental management In
The environmental effects caused by economic activity often occur outside of market exchanges and are unprized. One result of this is for hire have often been excluded from economic consideration. However, that the environmental issues now have risky in perceived importance, there are intensive efforts to give money values to the environmental effects and resource, so that hire may be taken more into account easily (Ekins, 2000: 28).
Sustainable development takes the environmental development as an important aspect. The central issue of sustainable development is to integrate the environmental consideration into the economic policy. In sustainable development, sustainabilily is no longer intended to demonstrate the development of man to control nature but emphasizes. the monitoring of the behaviour of man towards nature. Through sustainable development, it is believed that man can achieve a sustainability, that is, to predict or shape the future. In this case, man should not only actsrationally but with altruism or unselfishness for future generation (Dresner, 175). Thus, in managing the environment, the environmental activities by the man are monitored so that exploitation of the environment can be avoided or control. A~propriate
i
.environmental manageme~t is a way forward~ for a healthy ec.ono,:",:ic development, and stnngent environmental development Will ensure the environmental sustatnablhty which become an important aspect of the sustainable development.The importance of environmental sustainability is not only referred to the Third-World countries which are trapped with poverty but also the developing countries which are enriched with various industrial activities. The poverty which dominates the Third-World countries has resulted in the deterioration of natural resources by deforestation and desertification. The emission of poison gasses into the air by various industrial activities in developed countries has resulted in the greenhouse effect and acid rain phenomenon. The disposal of toxic waste into rivers and oceans by developed activities in developed countries has also contributed to the environmental pollution. In other words, the concept of sustainable development in the 'Brundtland Report' triggered a very important issue which has been neglected in previous reports by the United Nations; that is, the environmental management in the context of economic and social development in the Third-World and highly-developed countries.
Economic and social development in the context of sustainable development requires a development that focuses on fitting environmental management. Everybody, whether in the develop or under develop countries, should have a great concern with the accepted environmental management. Only by proper environmental management the earth planet will be safe for the man of today and also for the future generation. With the present condition, where capitalism plays an important role in our everyday activities, environmental sustainability is quite difficult to happen. Nevertheless, man has the responsibility to ensure environmental sustainability can be achieved, and this achievement can be realized if we can play our environmentalist roles, and this has no exception to the poet.Literary works such as poetry which discuss about the environment such as nature become the central object of study of eco-criticism (Glotfelty, 1996: xviii). The relationship between literature and nature as being the focus in eco-criticism is reflected in the poems studied for this paper and the relationship is crystallized when the humanistic dimension is identified.
Man and Nature
In the cosmology of the traditional communities in the East such as Japan, Korea and countries in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, nature has an important meaning to them. Nature is a manifestation of the spirit which is closed to them. Strong animistic beliefs underlying their thinking is reflected in their everyday life. Without nature, there is no life. Nature must be respected and not
to
be exploited (Abdul Rahman Ismail, 1998). The close relationship between man and nature is revealed in a Malay traditional poetry known as pantun. The structure of pantun, consists of two parts, the first two lines are known as the foreshadower and the second two lines are the meaning. The foreshadow of pantun consists of .the elements of nature such as bird, tree, plant, flower, fruit and insect. Here is a famous Malay pantun of four lines:Dari manapunaimelayang? Dari sawahturunke ka/i; Dari manadatangsayang? Dari malaturunkehati. Whence from the dove fly? From the fields to the stream; Whence from comes love? From eyes into the heart. (Muhammad Haji Salleh, 1991: 39).
The elements of nature in the two lines of the foreshadower are dove, padi field and the stream, and the next two lines are the meaning which tells about falling in love. Theforeshadower and the meaning from a meaningful panlun and this unity reflects the unity between nature and man. Nevertheless, the influence of foreign elements, especially from the West, has an impact on the emerging of new form of poetry which is no longer focused on the foreshadower, such as the free verse poetry. As a result, the emergence of the free verse poetry, known as sajak has affected the popularity of pantun.This development reflects the socia-cultural changes that occurredin the Malay society which has been dominated by imperialism and capitalism.When capitalism is so strong, nature is controlled by man and finally, the exploitation of nature becomes rampant under the licence of development. In due course, some of the Mal~y poets began to separate themselves from influence of nature. Nevertheless, there are Malay Pgets Who are very sensitive about the spirit of nature and they indicate their love in their poems.UsmanAwang and Muhammad Haji Salleh are the two most celebrated poets of Malaysia whouphold the importance of nature in their poems,
Poetry,
Humanistic Dimension and NatureEcology, that is, the relationship between culture and environment becomes one fundamental aspect in Usman's poems. In his two poems entitled, "The Ballad of the Death of an Old Beringin Tree at the Side of the City (translation)". and IIA Letter from the Community of Birds to the Mayor (translation)" discusses how people has exploited the environment to bring disaster. In "The Ballad of the Death of an Old Beringin Tree at the Side of the City (translation)",Usman tells how the development of the city, has killed the trees which are very important to the ecosystem. For Usman, trees as part of natural resources is vital to the well-being of man, plants. animals and insects. Unchecked economic
development has destroyed trees and other species on earth. This desertification and deforestation h ave brought the green effect to the world. Usman was furious and up-set with this unethical development, and these feelings are reflected in two of his poems. The importance to preserve the trees from uncontrolled economic development can be captured
in
this poem:The old Beringin at the side of the road in
a
city
which still young
hundreds of years standing shades the sun protects the earth singing birds fly
here is their home; happy family
butterflies fly and in laughter,
children play under its shade at the trunk.
(Puisi-PuisiPilihan (Selected Poems -literal translation), 1988: 31)
The existence of this old Bering in tree (also known as banyan tree or FicusBenjamina, with aerial roots, standing 20-30 meter) is to provide a sanctuary not only for the children but also for the birds and insects, such as, butterfly. So it is crucial to preserve the tree.
In this poem, Usman describes how the Old Beringin tree has a big role in the ecosystem. Man, animals and insects need the trees, and the trees need them too. Big tree like the Old Beringin tree is not only providing shady and cooling space for the children to piay, but also giving oxygen from the leaves during the process of photosynthesis. Trees are places where life begins and grows. So, in this Situation, trees need to be preserved, despite the rigorous economic development. However, the economic development has destroyed the Old Beringin tree. This situation shows that mankind is becoming greedy and inconsiderable. Here what Usman has to say:
My name is the unwanted Old Beringin tree. I am the enemy of a plan called development. (Puisi-PuisiPilihan (Selected Poems -literal translation): 31)
However', the people of this town have killed the GREEN. Merely, to pursue the GREEN dollars.
(Puisi-Pu;siPilihan (Selected Poems -literal translation): 36)
The economic development has destroyed the tree. Man is more concerned about himself and money than the environment or the nature.
The importance of preserving the trees in the city has also been discussed byUsman in his poem entitled "A Letter from the Community of Birds To the Mayor." In this poem, Usman uses the voices of the bird community as a strategic narrative to voice his apprehension:
: Mr. Mayor,
this letter to appeal against your wisdom, take care every shoot and root of plants everf leaf, every petal of flowers, every bush that is our home, our home from the beginning for the well-being of man, his
health, happiness, peacefulness natural beauty of a thousand blossoms under the sunshine.
In the context of eco-criticism (Howarth, 1996), Usman is so concerned about the environmental crisis, and his anxiety would have put him into one of the ecological movements known as "Deep Ecological Movement." According to Evernden (1996: 102):
The 'Deep Ecological Movement,' the one that concerns itself with the underlying roots of the crisis environment rather than simply its physical manifestation, demands the I nvolvement of the arts and Humanities.
The deep ecological movement as described by Evernden is concerned about the development of the environment, and it acts as a platform for the environmentalists who may include literary writers and humanist champions to strive for a clean and better environment. The deep ecological ethics is based on eco-friendly attitude and actions and is a fundamental component of environmental management. The opposite of deep ecological ethics is the shallow ecological ethics that leads to the destruction of the environment because this negative ecological ethics view the nature as a source of income or a space to create wealth and this ethics has A strong connection with capitalism where thinking of 'money-profit' or 'dollars and cents' is the main focus. In the end, this kind of attitude and thinking will destroy the environment with various economic development projects, which is lacking of proper environmental management.
Both of these poems by Usman, clearly reflect the two ecological ethics. The author himself undoubtedly has positive ecological ethics. He is very concerned to preserve the environment, and this is reflected in the humanistic dimension given to the old Beringin tree .. As already explained, Us man realizes the importance ,of trees as part of the nature, and it should be preserved and protected from the demon of the economic development. Usman also criticizes the developments which neglected the importance of environmental management. In his poem entitled, liThe Ballad of the Death of An Old Beringin Tree at the Side of the City," UsmanAwangsaddly describes:
Suddenly, a black morning came a giant technology attacked
with cruel teeth of an iron sink into the trunk horrific screams heard
the voice of BeringinfeH to the ground.
(Puisi-PuisiPilihan (Selected Poems - literal translation): 31)
Technology has been used to destroy trees and forests. A heavy machine has been deployed to destroy them on a large scale. Trees of hundred years old such as the old Beringin tree have been destroyed overnight. The man with negative ecological ethics will act irrationally to destroy the nature, including the environment. To this man, the environment is like an enemy that must be suppressed and destroyed as Usman says: "My name is the unwanted old Beringin tree; I am the enemy of a plan called development." In another poem entitled "A Letter from the Community of Birds to the Mayor," UsmanAwang criticizes the man with shallow ecological ethics who destroy the green for money. UsmanAwang says; "The people of the city have killed GREEN/Merely to pursue the GREEN dollars.1t This phrases clearly show how materialism has corrupted the man of negative ecological ethics. In other words, the old aeringin tree and its destiny has been given a humanistic dimension. The reader of this poem should feeliempathy with this tree and try to understand and love it. In other words, although Usman has criticized the man of shallow ecolqgical ethics who fail to carry out a proper environmental management, he has managed to show the humanistic dimension of the tree. He has successfully; portrayed not only the good deeds of the tree but also the plight and the death of the old Beringin tree. Usman has combined theaspect of man and nature in his poems, and this juxtaposition has enriched the humanistic dimension of nature. Besides Usman, another Malay poet who can be placed in the contact of man and his relation with the deployment of 'deep ecology' is Muhammad Haji Sal/eh.
Muhammad did not write the poem like Usman, who criticized those who have exploited the nature, Muhamad writes poems about man and nature in anartistically manner in which a humanistic dimension of nature is beautifully embedded between the lines and the words. The humanistic dimension is beautifully crafted and reflected in his poems, which have been published in his recent anthology entitled An Emerald Hill by the Sea (2006). Muhammad has an intimate relationship with nature, and the relationship is mentioned in the preface to the anthology:
As a poet I observe and drift along on yearly rhythms, am drenched or parched by seasons, stopped short by butterflies, kingfishers or monitor lizards; my days are ornamented by angsana, Morinda and saga, flame of the forest and also a hundred flowers that were planted or have grown were before I set foot here. I n all of these I read qualities, characters, personalities, and meanings of rocks leaves, flowers, insects, and animals.
(Muhammad, 2011: xi).
For Muhammad, the elements of nature are so familiar to him, and they have become part of his life, and he could feel the rhythm of every pulse and beat of them. As for Muhammad, nature has spirit and this spirit becomes a bridge that links him to the nature. With this closed and fine relationship, Muhammad managed to write such a beautiful poems, which reflect the humanistic dimension. This humanistic dimension is also his inner consciousness of his touch and feeling towards the elements of nature. In other words, Muhammad has crafted a sense of his inner consciousness towards nature, and this shows his deep ecological ethics.
In
An Emerald Hill by the Sea, Muhammad has enriched his poems with the elements of nature such as trees, plants, insects, flowers, rock and these elements are given the humanistic dimension. Nature has been given a lively texture and meaning to Muhammad, and this humanistic dimension produces an impact on the readers by the suggestive power that makes the reader feel the vitality and the vibrant of the elements. Eventually, the suggestive power will transform the reader's consciousness into an aesthetic experience and with this experience, the reader will be more conscious of loving the nature and awake the importance to care and preserve the nature. With the suggestive power of the poems and the aesthetic experience that the reader has, the deep ecological ethics will grow and manifests in the form of positive attitude and action towards the nature.Muhammad with his expression of humility as manifested in his poems could contribute to the materialization of the concept of sustainable development with regard to the environmental management. His poems could create the awareness of the importance of managing the nature according to the needs of the present and future generation. The readers of Muhammad's poems could nurture and foster the human relationship with nature. With this relationship, man could control himself in dealing with nature and when the deep ecological ethics is practiced, the environment will be managed and preserved. The bottom line is, man with deep ecological ethics will care for nature and love it with the utmost loving and responsible deeds. This attitude will ensure the nature will be conserved and entrusted to future generation. With this situation, the desired sustainable development will be materialized. The role of the poets like Muhammad are needed in ensuring the success of sustainable development agenda that is driven by the United Nations through the 'Brundtland Report.' Muhammad in his poem entitled liThe Flame of the forest," says:
flame of the forest reflects the sun
its blooms mark the drought with strokes and brace the dome of the sky.
the trunk stretches waking from the cold
leaves as fine as a baby's curls. None is more beautiful
than Sparklers.
That sprinkle color on the canopy's curve even the drought is discoloured
by a Crimson future.
(Muhammad, 2011:4 )
The 'flames of the forest\ is a tree which is scientifically known as 'DelonixRegia.' This big tree can be found in tropical and near tropical countries such as Malaysia. This tropical tree is adaptable to hot and dry weather. The 'flames of the forest', produces a lot of flowers with bright and vivid colors such like red and yellow.
The 'flames of the forest' tree which can be found in the campus of UniversitiSains Malaysia where Muhammad is one of the academic staffs have was given him an inspiration to write the poem. In "Flames of the Forest," Muhammad has painted humanistic dimensions by linking the elements of nature such as the red flowers with energy and life. The red flowers are like the sun which are bright and energetic. The bright-red color of the flowers has lessened the amount of energy of hot dry air that is sweeping across the place where the 'flames of the forest' tree g rows. The 'flames of the forest' tree which bears the red flowers has become a powerful source of energy to move people's life as mentioned by Muhammad in the two phrases - 'the trunk stretches waking from cold' and 'even the drought is discoloured by
a
Crimson future.'The beauty and diversity of the nature should be appreciated by man. It can become his companion and teacher. Nature should be treated with due respect. Muhammad in his another poem entitled 'shade of the angsana', tells a story about a student and a tree. The story goes as follows:
a student
shelters in the green shadow,
his life smells of wood sweetness of the kernel, and so he sips the clean vapours of the canopy. there he gathers the chill
in his cupped hands because he is kin in a large clan to which all belong. there he tastes the water. that is purified by leaves, and returns
the essence of breath awaited green by his sister.
the dome of cool fragrances shelter is a pleasant shared. from here
the yellow of the angsana this is lodged his hair.
(Muhammad 2011: 12)
The big angsana tree (its scientific name - pterocarpusindicus, 30-40 meter tall and with
a
trunk up to2
meter in diameter )has becomea
shelter to protect the student from the sweltering heat. The student has an acquaintance with the tree and with this contact! he can smell the scent of the angsana tree. Furthermore, he is not only protected from the heat of the sun, but he is also being given a fresh oxygen to inhale by the leaves frqm the tree through the process of photosynthesis. Consequently, during the breathing, the student eX1hales the carbon dioxide which becomes one of the components for leaves of the tree to execute the process of photosynthesi~. With the process. of photosynthesis, a biological space between nature and man has been created where an interaction between them occurs. According to Muhammad the relationship between the student and the tree as reflected in the poem is a manifestation of the relationship between man and nature:there he gathers the chill
in
his cupped hands because he is kin in a large clan to which all belong.With such a relationship, the elements of nature such as the angsana tree should not to be destroyed but to be loved and protected. The angsana tree is alive and its contributes to the well-being of man, and man has the role to play to safeguard the relationship. Nature such as the angsana tree has
a biological relationship with man. The relationship exists in a mutual manner in which both parties. man and nature are expected to give to and take from each other. The angsana tree and the student interact in a biological and truthful manner. The two ways relationship which is not contaminated with negative elements such as lust (read capitalism) will sustain and this sustainability will contribute to the meaning of the sustainable development. Muhammad further says:
there he tastes the water that is purified by leaves. and returns
the essence of breath awaited green by his sister.
The relationship between nature and man should be created in the heart of sincerity and the feeling of love. As a result. any exploitation towards nature will not be condoned and in this poem. Muhammad paints a humanistic dimension to the poem which is crucial in convincing the readers that nature needs respect and caring. In other words. the humanistic dimension in clearly shines through this poem, and it generates a suggestive power that empowers the reader to embrace nature.
Muhammad has divided his poems in Emerald Hill by the Sea into several parts. Each distinct part is noticeable by a specific month from January to December. Each month is manifested with a specific weather. For example, January is a dry season, and raining will be in February. Actually, the poems in each month reflect a specific season, and it reflects the weather in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the flowers of -!he 'flames of the forest' tree, bloom in the dry season. The hot dry season is being neutralized by the arrival of the bright flowers of the tree. The ability of the 'flames of the foresf tree to adapt to the dry season is associated with the lives of man. Muhammad believes that man should also adapt himself to the surrounding and stay energetic through good and bad times. In other words, man has a lot to study and learn from nature. Man should regard nature as his teacher and not as an enemy as reflected in Usman's poem as mentioned earlier.
After January. then comes the month of February, and it starts to rain. February is the start of the rainy season, and it brings a new life to nature. With this background. Muhammad writes a poem entitled 'Mangkudu at February End' and 'February Mangkudu'. The two poems in this anthology speak about the 'Mangkudu' tree. 'Mangkudu' tree or its scientific name - Morindacitrifoles. is a tree of moderate size, with big or small leaved.This tree has captured Muhammad's imagination and in these poems Muhammad describes the nature of the 'Mangkudu' tree. In this tree Muhammad sees the humble personality. According to Muhammad:
Contemplative in character bent on observing
its own soul
its small leaves and coy denSity but hides
a
personality_ (Muhammad 2011: 23).Muhammad is so attracted and zealous about this 'Mangkudu' tree and this tree has a special message; for him.The nature of this tree reflects a character that builds the humble personality. According to Muhammad. the name of this tree is not beautiful or having a grandiose looking. comparedto the 'flames of the forest' tree. VVhat kind of personality that lures Muhammad to this tree? The answer to this question can be detected from one of the verses of another poem entitled, 'February Mangkudu':
your name is not beautiful but in the hands of the physician. you become the antidote for sorrows, easing and assisting.
According to Muhammad, the nature of 'Mangkudu' tree is not beautiful and the fruits are so ugly but, to a physician this tree is so special. According to Muhammad, those who have knowledge about this tree use it as
a
medicine. Traditionally, in Malay society, 'Mangkudu' tree is used as traditional medicine. This traditional medicine could be used to heal bleeding, asthma, cough and malaria. The leaves, fruits, barks and roots from 'Mungkudu' trees can be used to treat these health problems. The boiled shoot which is known as ulam is consumed together with rich and ulam is good for the health. And the ugly fruits could be used to treat asthma and cough. The drinking water abstracted from the boiled barks is used to heal malaria and becomes an astringentto stop bleeding by shrinking the tissue and reduce in size the blood vessels. In other words, between the lines, Muhammad has managed to coat the humanistic dimension of the 'Mangkudu' tree in the two poems. The humble personality and the medical function of 'Mengkudu' tree should be reflected in man. Man should be humble and ever willing to contribute to the well-being of nature or the planet earth. The understanding of this reflection is crucial for man to care and conserve the nature. Man should regard nature as his companion and teacher. Nature such as trees and plants has the right to be respected by allowing them to grow and man should intelligently manage them.Conclusion
Sustainable development must be well understood because there are many interpretations on this concept. The meaning of development of which the concept of sustainable development is referring to, involves three interrelated issues, that is, economic, social and environmental. Sustainable economic development is a development which encompasses a good environmental management. Man needs to manage efficiently the environment in order to have sustainable economic and social development. A good environmental management requires a good social development. Nature is part of the environment, such as, forest, water, soil and air. Appropriate management of nature is also a part of the management of environment. Man has the responsibility to manage the nature for the benefit of the present and future generation. The awareness of caring and conserving nature should be cultivated meticulously in order to have better environmental management. Poets can also play an important role in managing the nature. Usman and Muhammad are the two Malaysian poets that have contributed to create an awareness of caring and preserving nature. The humanistic element that have been tinted on the elements of nature in the poems studied to have the suggestive power to make the readers feel close to nature and able
to
understand their existence. The poems studied in this analysis reflect the creativity and the compassion of the poets in writing such poems. PQetry could play an important role in giving an appropriate meaning to the concept of sustainable development. The poems studied, have the potential to promote deep ecological ethics among the readers of the poetry so that they could be the appropriate force to move the environmental development in sustc;linable development. Usman and Muhammad are the two Malaysian poets who have contributed to the better understanding of how environmental management could be realized by creating an awareness about the biological and cultural relationship between man and nature.Reference
Abdul Rahman Ismail. (1998). Fa/safah Alam Semesta di Nusantara. Tradisi dan Reaksi Da/am Sejarah Kosmologi Melayu (The Philosophy of Nature in Nusantara: Tradition and Reaction in the History of the Malay Cosmology). syngai Petani: Yusran Publishing House.
Dresner, Simon. (2008). The Principles of Sustainability.Of London(Second Edition). Washington, DC:
Earthscan. .
Ekins, Paul.,(2000). Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability. London and New York: Routledge.
Evernden, Neil. , (1996). Beyond Ecology: An Experiment inEcocriticism.Glotfelty, Cheryll&Harold, Fromm (eds). The Ecocriticism Reader. Athens and London: The University of Georgia Press, pg.92-104.
Glotfelty, Cheryl!. (1996). Introduction.Literary Studies in an Age of Environmental Crisis.Glotfelty, Cheryll& HarOld, Fromm. (eds). The Ecocriticism Reader. Athens and London: The University of Georgia Press. pg. xv-xxxvii
Howarth, William. (1996). Some Principles of Ecocritism.Glotfelty, Cheryl! & Harold, Fromm (eds.). The Ecocriticism Reader. Athens and London: The University of Georgia Press, 1996. pg.69-91. Lawn, Philip. A. ,(2001). Toward Sustainable OeveJopment.An Ecological Economics Approach. Coca
Raton: Lewis Publishers.
Meadows, Donella H., Club of Rome, Potomac Associates. (1974). The Limits to Growth. A Report for the club of Rome's Project on the Predicament of Mankind. New York: Universe Books.
Meadows, Donella H., Rander, Jorgen., Meadows, Dennis L, (2004). Limits to Growth. 30-Years Update. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing.
Muhammad Haji SaHeh.(2011).An Emerald HiI1 by the Sea. Poems of Nature USM (English Translation). Sinha, Lalitha and Md. Salleh Yaapar (transt). Penang: Universiti Sains Malaysia Publisher.
Muhammad Haji Salleh.(1991). Yang Empunya Cerita. The Mind of the Malay Author. Kuala Lumpur: DewanBahasadanPustaka.
Puisi-Puisi Pilihan Sasterawan Negara Usman Awang (Selected Poems of Usman Awang National Laureate}.(1988). Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
Author's Biodata
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz is a Professor of literature. He specializes in literary theory and criticism, Malay literature, comparative literature and children literature. He has been in the field of teaching and research at the university for the past 17 years. Currently he is the Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, UniversitiSains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. He has published several books, hundreds of articles on literary criticism and Malay literature.
Rethinking the Concept of Botanic Garden: The Humanistic Dimension of
Nature in Selected Poems of Muhammad Hj. Salleh
Abstract
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz
School of Humanities.
UniversitiSains Malaysia
11800 Penang
Malaysia
soaazz@usm.my
The concept of a botanic garden has not changed much from the day it was
established until today.
Generally. a botanic garden devotes to the collection,
cultivation and display a wide range of plants. In principle, its role is to maintain
documented collection of living plants for the purpose of scientific research,
conservation, display and education. However, this role has ignored the major function
of a botanic garden, that is, to instil and generate the sense of belonging to nature
especially
plants and trees. Basically, man is inclined to destroy nature than to
preserve it because of the economic values. Efforts to curb this problem has not been
successful. Ed ucational programmes by botanic gardens to educate visitors with
scientific information regarding the nature are not effective.
One of the
reason
is,
botanic gardens have neglected the humanistic dimension of the plants and trees
which is so important in developing a sense of oneness with nature. Where and how to
get the humanistic dimension? This paper will explore and treasure the humanistic
dimension of the trees which are discovered from the poetry written specifically on
them.
This humanistic dimension reveals the closeness of man to nature,
and
consequently, it has created the sense of loving nature. The ability of poetry to explore
the humanistic dimension of nature,
will nurture the people's oneness with nature
where· the awareness of loving and living with nature will grow and sustain.
Muhammad Haji Salleh, a well-known Malaysian poet, has written poetry on trees
which are common in local botanic gardens such as Penang Botanic Garden. Using
textual analysis
to study the poetry, the humanistic dimension of the trees has been
discovered and treasured. This discovery has given a
new
perspective where the
integration of botany (science of plants and trees) and poetry has given botanic
gardens the misSing humanistic dimension. This new concept will enhance the
effectiveness of the educational programmes provided by the botanic gardens for their
visitors.
Keywords: poetry; humanistic dimension; botanic garden;
Introduction
In the cosmology of
the traditional communities in the East such as Japan,
Korea and countries in Southeast Asia) such as Malaysia, nature has an important
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Certificate of Participation
Professor Sohaimi Abdul Aziz
This is to certify that
has presented a paper at the
International Conference on Sustainable Development 2012
on
July 31 -
August
02~2012
New
Jersey,
USP.LO
Jointly
organized by
PSEG Institute for Sustrunability Studies, Montclair State University, lJSA
Ontario International Development Agency
International Centre for Interdisciplinary Research
in
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ICSD 2012 USA / IJSD Submission
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THE HUMANISTIC DIMENSION OF NATURE AS REFLECTED IN POETRY: A PERSPECTIVE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FROM MALAYSIAN POETS
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The Humanistic Dimension of
Nature
as Reflected
-in
-Poetry:
A Perspective of Sustai'nable Development
From Malaysian Poets*
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz
School of Humanities, UniversitiSains Malaysia
11800 Penang
Malaysia
soaazz@usm.my
C Ontario International Development Agency. ISSN 1923-6654 (pr.int)
ISSN 1923-6662 (online). A vaiJabIe at http://www.ssm.comllinklOIDA-lnti-Joumal-Sustainable-Dev.html
Abstract
Society today f is very concerne~ about the issues of sustainable devel.opment, which comprises
of three related elements; environment, economy and social. Unfortunately, the role of literature in propagating the awareness of sustainable development is not very prominent. Literature has been perceived as irrelevant in this contact. This paper will discuss how literature such as poetry can- play an influential role to contribute to this sustainable development awareness. 8
y
using eco-criticism, this paper will show how poetry written by two Malaysian poets gives an prominent dimension to nature, that is, the humanistic dim·ension. This humanistic dimension has translated the closene~s of man to nature, and consequently. it has created the sense of loving .the nature. Nature is part of the environment and to love nature is an important element in su.~tairiable development. The ability of poetry to heave the humanistic dimension of nature, will nurture the awareness of the concept of sustainable development, especially among the poetry readers.Keywords: sustainable development; environmental development, poetry; humanistic dimension; eco-criticism; ecological eth ics
Introduction
In 1987, the United Nations Commission on Environment Development Word (UNCED), chaired
by Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway issued a famous report -'Srundtland Report' which was published
in
Our Common Future
(1987). This report nas brought about a shift in thinking, planning and action inhuman Ufe, which is becoming complicated, stressful and alarming. In 1970s, there was a report from a project on the predicament of mankind by the Club of R~me, and published under the title.
The Limits to
Growth (197412004). This report says that, uncheck limited resources of the economic growth, and
consumption
will
bring disaster·to human being. The emergence of this report sparked a great concern that the worldwill
run out of resources, and this development will bring disaster to mankind. Nevertheless, this report was interpreted as amove
to hinder the economic and social development. What was interesting, the concern of the report did not materialize because the major resources such as oil was still available and as a result, the reportwas
neglected. Eventually, the economic development proceeded more rapidly. Many efforts were made to increase the development of primary resources such as oil. For Example, oil-producing countries had increased their oil production and new areas of potential oil drilling were discovered and explored.Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
After the report had been ignored, the economic development continued to grow rapidly in various industrial sectors. Moreover, the development of the information and communication technology
*Paper presented at the International Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey. 07043, USM. July 31,2012 - August 02, 2012.
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The Humanistic Dimension of Nature in Selected
Poems of Muhammad Hj. Salleh: Concretizing the
Concept of the University in a Garden
Sohaimi Abdul Aziz School of Humanities, UniversitiSains Malaysia
11800 Penang i Malaysia ; soaazz@usm.my
The concept of 'the university in a garden' which is conceptualised by Universiti Sains Malaysia in
2001-. 2002, places a nature role as a significant part in the ecological setting in this campus. Indeed, nature is a part of the environment and to love nature such as flora and fauna is an important element in the concept of the university in a garden. However, the role of literature in concretising the concept of the university in a garden has been neglected. This paper will explores and treasure the humanistic dimension of the trees available in the campus as reflected in Muhammad Hj. Salleh's poems. This humanistic dimension reflects the closeness of man to nature; and consequently, it has created the sense of loving the nature. The potentiality of poem to have the humanistic dimension of nature, will nurture senses of loving and living for nature especially in the university in a garden. This paper will discuss how poem can play an influential role to contribute to the concept of the university in a garden. Further, by using textual analysis, this paper will show how poems written by Muhammad, who is a
well-known Malaysian poet, gives a prominent dimension to nature has the humanistic dimension and how this dimension has concretized the concept of the university in a garden.
Keywords: poetry; humanistic dimension; the university in a garden; Introduction
In the cosmology of the traditional communities in the East such as Japan, Korea and countries in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, nature has an important meaning to them. Nature is a .manifestation of the spirit which is closed to them. Strong animistic beliefs underlying their thinking is reflected in their everyday life. Without nature, there is no life. Nature must be respected and not to be exploited (Abdul Rahman Ismail, 1998). The close relationship between man and nature is revealed in a Malay traditional poetry known as pantun. The structure of pantun, consists of two parts, the first two
!!!"!es are known as the foreshadower and the second two lines are the meaning. The foreshadow of pantun consists of the elements of nature such as bird, tree, plant, flower, fruit and insect. Here is a famous Malay pantun of four lines:
Dari manapunaimelayang? Dari sawahturunke kali;
Dari manadatangsayang?
Dar; mataturunkehati.
Whence from the dove fly? From the fields to the stream; Whence from comes love? From eyes into the heart.
(Muhammad Haji Salleh, 1991: 39).
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