God, Nature, and Humanity in the Landscape of Lubuk Hitam Waterfall: A Seyyed Hossein Nasr Eco-Philosophy Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between God, nature, and humanity through the landscape of Lubuk Hitam Waterfall in Padang, West Sumatra, using Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s eco-philosophy. Historically, the waterfall was regarded as a sacred manifestation of God in nature, fostering a deep spiritual awareness of ecological balance within the local community. Over time, however, its meaning shifted from a sacred entity to a commercial object, reflecting an anthropocentric orientation and leading to environmental degradation. This research employs a qualitative-descriptive method with a philosophical-phenomenological approach to analyze this transformation. The findings reveal that the ecological crisis surrounding the waterfall mirrors a broader spiritual crisis among the community, particularly those managing the site. Restoring the disrupted relationship between God, nature, and humanity requires spiritual education that emphasizes nature as a manifestation of the Divine. Such an approach not only fosters ecological awareness but also encourages the protection and preservation of natural sites from exploitation.