The devastation caused by the recent flooding in Mumbai has once again brought to the fore the systematic destruction of our environment
The devastation caused by the recent flooding in Mumbai has once again brought to the fore the systematic destruction of our environment. All over the world, man has ignored the delicate balance in nature and caused untold damage to our eco-system. Earlier Nature was worshipped and held sacred. Man found spiritual beauty in the harmonious formation of nature and made an effort to understand spiritual truths through observation of natural phenomena.
Pantheism forms part of many ancient religions including Taoism and Native Indian. Shinto too holds nature in reverence, venerating spirits that dwell in all elements of nature. In Hinduism too, nature has been worshipped through the sun, moon, animals and plants. Lord Dattatreya had 24 gurus, each one being an aspect of nature. This reverence resulted in the protection and preservation of the natural world.
Nature inspires awe and wonder at the beauty of creation. The sheer enormity of the ocean, the vast expanse of a starry sky, and the lofty peaks of snow-clad mountains evoke thoughts of the sacred, of a spiritual dimension that leaves one spellbound. Naturally then, spiritual seekers choose the privacy of forests or mountain caves. It is in the serene lap of nature that one connects to the spirit and finds an inner core of peace. Emerson has said that "every natural fact is a symbol of some spiritual fact".
When living with nature we realise that life is interconnected, that everything around us is pulsating with energy. It is time we honoured nature and appreciated her gift to us. One can choose to call her the life force, or to simply thank her for her bounty.
Nature has dignity and respects the laws of life. It is man who is brutal in his greed, flouting the rules that other creatures live by. Man must learn to respect nature not only for a better quality of life but for his very survival. As the author Paul Brunton writes, "Nature is your friend; cherish her reverently in your silent moments and she will bless you in secret."
The writer is a partner in Indus Source publisher.
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