Ecological Reverence in Hinduism

Ecological Reverence in Hinduism

By Aachaarya Pt. Ramdial Balbadar

A verse in the Atharva Veda says: ‘O Death, we pay homage to thee for saving us from the scientific weapons of the learned; from the instruments and arms of kings; and from the economic troubles of Businesses.”

This prophetic note can be easily grasped in today’s world situation where mankind faces an ecological crisis of the worst nature. Goaded by the Industrial Revolution and the developments in the field of science and technology, pressurized by mounting population and poverty, and governed by the materialistic tendency, man has converted the biosphere into a ‘noso-sphere’ (diseased world), ignoring other units of creation.

By indiscriminately cutting down forests; converting grasslands into areas of habitation; leveling and tunneling mountains; changing landscapes, destroying ecosystems, generating chemical and radioactive pollution, producing non-biodegradable matter, endangering plant and animal species, dumping lakes, rivers and oceans with sewage and industrial wastes, man has disturbed the balance of nature and created conditions which, if not altered for the better, can prove to be disastrous for humanity. Marching on the development-path, man goes on pillaging and plundering natural resources without caring in the least whether these are renewable as quickly as they are being depleted, or are non-renewable.

The fact that life in all its varied forms is interdependent and interrelated was emphasized by the Hindu sages centuries before ecological problems became a matter of serious concern. Sages and seers who lived in close proximity with nature were aware that any disturbance in the biological equilibrium between different organisms and their environment would surely affect the quality of life. They sensed the rhythmic flow of energy in every object of nature – in heavenly bodies, rivers, oceans, plants, animals, insects and birds – and stressed the need for the preservation of life in its various moulds. From the fundamental premise of the oneness of existence ensued a reverential attitude towards the object of nature and a holistic view of life and progress which reflect through Hindu Dharma.

Hindu Shastra speaks of the Cosmic Order (Rta). At its bidding the wheel of time moves, celestial bodies march on their determined course, wind blows, water flows, days and nights follow each other in an unending cycle.

The Rig Veda says that the earth is conducive to the welfare of man if he adheres to Cosmic Laws. The judicious use of oceans, forests and atmosphere, the key components of the earth’s environment, is essential for preserving its ecosystem and saving life. In the Hymn to the Earth (Bhoomi Sukta), the Hindu sages pray:

“Whatever I dig up of you, O Earth, may you of that have quick replenishment!

O Purifying One! May my thrust never reach right into your vital points, your heart.

May your dwellings, O Earth, free from sickness and wasting, flourish for us!

Through a long life watchful, may we always offer you our tribute.”

The Earth, the bearer of treasures, the source of food, the abode of man; of rivers and forests, plants and animals, is the Mother of all finite beings. Squandering the Earth’s resources, destroying plant and animal life, or pilfering with environmental conditions is, therefore, ignoble and contemptible. Hindus pray for peace and harmony, not only between man and man, but also between all other forms of life upon earth and other elements of the Cosmos. Peace, being the key to progress and development and the essential requisite of a happy life, the Shanti Mantra (peace incantation) is recited at the beginning and end of all Hindu rites and ceremonies to establish a force-field of peaceful energy in the environment.

‘May the peace and tranquility from the celestial and upper region, from mid region, from the earth, from plants, from nature’s storehouse, from divine knowledge, from every source – may that peace and only peace come unto me.’

To the Hindus, the Earth is not an object for exploitation, but a Mother for adoration. The tradition of worshipping it (Bhoomi Poojaa) before using it in any manner continues to this day.

(Pandit Ramdial Balbadar is a prominent Aachaarya (Teacher) of Hinduism in Guyana. He is the compiler and author of many titles and has over 30 years experience in Pandits’ Training across Guyana. He is currently the President of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region 3).