The world has become more conscious of the destruction and degradation of the only home we have in the universe, planet Earth. Today, the colour ‘green’ is the new mantra being sung by those who behave as though our Earth, our ‘dharti mata’ (Mother Earth) will forgive us for our misuse/abuse of her. “Mata Bhumih Putroham Prithivyah,” (The Earth is my Mother and I am her child).
Nature and Hinduism are so entwined that it is quite impossible to think about one without the other. The need for an ecological balance is stressed in the Hindu scriptures, the Vedas and Upanishads, and this message is repeated in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Puranas and in the messages of Hindu saints.
Hinduism teaches that the human body and the universe are composed of five interconnected elements. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Damaging the environment is equivalent to damaging oneself.
Mother Nature is worshipped in Hindu religion. We travel to the seashore to perform pooja (worship) to the oceans and other waterways. And we use the earth to create an altar (bedi) upon which we make our offering before planting a flag (jhandi) in praise of the particular aspect of God.
All the offerings are flowers and fruits that are biodegradable. But for the majority of Hindus, worship is confined to temples and homes and thus we are equal contributors in global warming, pollution and emissions.
Here are a few thoughts which ancient seers of Sanatan Dharma left us more than 5,000 years ago, and the majority of them are highly relevant today.
This is founded on the belief that all creation, rivers, trees, mountains and animals, is spread by a single divine consciousness (Brahma) and constitutes an interconnected web in life.
The Bhumi Sukta, a hymn from the Atharva Veda—Hymn to the Earth, emphasises the spiritual and ecological connection between humanity and nature, and is recognised as one of the earliest environmental texts, encouraging humans to protect and honour the Earth, which is seen as the Sustainer of all life. Encouraging humanity to live in harmony despite differences, and celebrating the diversity on Earth.
Earth, in which lie the sea, the rivers and other waters, in which food and cornfields and rice fields have come to be, in which lives all that breathes and that moves, may she confer on us the finest of her yield. Earth, in which the waters, common to all, moving on all sides, flow unfailingly, day and night, may she pour on us milk in many streams, and endow us with lustre.
May those born of thee, O Earth, be for our welfare, free from sickness and waste, wakeful through a long life, we shall become bearers of tribute to thee. Earth, my mother, set me securely with bliss in full accord with heaven, O wise one, uphold me in grace and splendour...
The Earth is described as the provider of riches, gold, silver and agricultural wealth.
More than 70 per cent of Earth’s surface comprises water. Water is considered a sacred, life-supporting element that represents divine energy, purification of the body, mind and soul, representing fertility and sustenance.
Trees and plants are considered living beings, often regarded as abodes of deities, manifestations of divinity and essential to the cosmic balance. They are used in daily worship, respected for their environmental, medicinal and spiritual value. Many trees are associated with specific Gods and Goddesses, Tulsi (Lakshmi), Pipal (Vishnu), Bael (Shiva).
The Banyan/Peepal tree is depicted as an upside-down “Tree of Life,” or “World Tree,” representing the inverted structure of the universe with roots in heaven and branches on Earth, representing strength, endurance and spiritual affinity.
The Mahabharata says that “even if there is only one tree full of flowers and fruits in a village, that place becomes worthy of worship and respect.”
The belief in reincarnation implies that the Atma can be reborn in plant or animal form, creating a sense of solidarity and relationship with all life. Harming nature is believed to incur negative Karma.
No religion lays as much emphasis on environmental ethics as does Hinduism. It believes in ecological responsibility and says, like Native Americans, that the Earth is our mother. It champions the protection of animals, which it considers also have souls, and promotes vegetarianism. It has a strong tradition of non-violence or ahimsa. It believes that God is present in all nature, in all creatures, and in every human being, regardless of their faith or lack of it
