A few days ago World Environment Day was celebrated throughout the planet. All over the world people conducted many events to protect environment. Now the question is, are we really protecting our environment or protecting ourselves? I would say whatever we do for the environment today is neither service nor a great achievement; it is a matter of survival. It’s not the planet that is in danger today; we are! We almost forgot the fact that the entire humanity is just a tiny speck in this phenomenal universe. Ecology and humanity cannot be separated. Indian sages found this Truth in deep contemplation and mediation which enlightened the world!
India has got many famous thinkers, philosophers who have studied and made extensive research about how the ecosystem works and how we can live in-tune with nature. Sages like Valmiki, Vyasa, Bharadhwaja, Varahamihira etc are the most famous amongst them and their contributions are of immense value. Ancient Indian texts like Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas have taught many technologies to keep the ecological balance of the nature, not only for our survival but to live in the highest level of consciousness.
According to Indian thoughts five elements are the basis of all cosmic creation and we call it as ‘Pancha Bhoota’. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Aether are the ‘Pancha Bhootas’. These elements have different characteristics and these also account for different faculties of human experience. From a microorganism to the most sophisticated human body, every living organism is made using these fundamental elements, arranged in a certain order. Indian philosophy suggests us not to pollute these five elements but to conserve them with utter care. The fundamental reason of any ailment is the mismanagement of 'Pancha Boothas', within and around us. The one who manages the five basic elements leads a healthy life!
Another important teaching of Indian Philosophy is “Aa Brahma Pipilika Paryantha” – means we need to view 'Brahma' and an Ant equally! It teaches us to provide equal importance to all the living beings and protect then as we are them. Vedanta says the universal consciousness is shining upon everything and you are neither independent nor disjoint from this universe, but tied together with the magical string of singularity. This directly contradicts with the western ‘human centric’ ideology where Human is considered as the supremo among all other creatures, which in fact is a destructive thought.
India has taught not philosophies, but 'Dharma' - the way of living. Mahabharata says “Ahimsa Paramo Dharma” – means non-violence is the topmost duty to the extent that it supersedes all other duties. In short don’t destroy anything! We should be respectful to all living creatures and avoid violence towards others.
Vedas talks about the importance of trees and teaches us how we can implement a balanced eco system by providing ideas to setup biodiversity hotspot like ‘kavu’ (a garden or grove), ‘kulam’ (pond) etc. A book named ‘Vrikshayurveda’ is an important scientific text which specifically talks about the importance of trees and tree planting. Trees are our closest relatives. What trees exhale, we inhale; what we exhale, they inhale. They are half our respiratory system. Have a look at one ‘sloka’ from Vrikshayurveda:
“Dasa Koopa Samo Vaapi
Dasa vaapi samo hridha:
Dasa hridha sama puthra
Dasa puthra samo druma”
{Ten wells are equal to one pond
Ten Ponds are equal to a backwater
Ten Backwaters equal to a Son
Ten Sons are equal to a Tree}
That much important a tree is!
Even while talking about our ancient culture I cannot forget the names of Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Sundarlal Bahuguna and their contributions towards nature conservation. Gandhi once said “There is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but not for someone’s greed”.
Let’s sing the everlasting song which India taught us and decide to live in union with our ecosystem!
“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu:”
[May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.]
