Every day, throughout the world, problems arise pertaining to pollution, global warming and animal species facing extinction. Although human beings are seen as the most intelligent life form on earth, they are responsible for almost all the damage done to the planet. Hinduism pays particular attention to the environment. In fact, Hindus are environmentalists and believe that ecological balance is necessary for the continued survival of life. Gratitude and efforts to preserve the environment are paramount to a Hindu’s existence. Indeed, life should be like an ecological treatise. So says Bhagavan Krishna in the following verse:
For, so sustained by sacrifice, the gods will give you the food of your desire. Whosoever enjoys their gift, yet gives nothing, is a thief, no more nor less. Bhagavad Gita 3:12
Hinduism provides many tools of understanding whereby care, respect, reverence and gratitude could be offered to the environment and in return, humans become the recipients of a comfortable place of rest and repose, of peace, sustenance, growth and innovation. A perfect system of balance!
1. The Pancha Mahabhutas (five great elements) create a web of life that is shown in the structure and interconnectedness of the cosmos and the human body. Hinduism teaches that the five great elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) that constitute the environment are all derived from prakriti, the primal energy. Each of these elements has its own life and form, showing their interconnectedness and interdependence.
2. Hindus worship and accept the presence of God in nature. They believe that God is functional as well as positional. They believe that ‘Hari Vyaapak Sarvatra Samaana’ – God pervades every atom of creation. The rivers are revered, the sun is worshipped as Surya, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a stone (lingam) and the earth and cow are among the five Mothers who are worshipped.
3. Protecting the environment is part of Dharma. This concept of dharma is basic to all human life and can be translated as duty, virtue, cosmic order and religion, among other things. In Hinduism, protecting the environment is an important expression of dharma. One’s religion, ecology and ethics are not separate arenas of life. Instead it is one’s dharma to treat creation with respect.
4. Moral behaviour creates good karma and humans’ behaviour towards the environment has karmic consequences, since we have free choice, even though we may have harmed the environment in the past. The result is ‘daivik taap’ or pain caused on account of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Humans can choose to protect the world in future, replacing environmentally destructive karmic patterns with good ones.
5. On a daily basis, humans continue to receive benefits from the earth, Prithivi Mataa. She is like everyone’s mother and deserves devotion and protection. Recognising this, Hindus offer gratitude and protection in response. Many Hindus touch the floor before getting out of bed every morning and ask Devi to forgive them for trampling on her body.
Our entire life should be seen as an ecological treatise. This is one life in which every minute act, emotion or thought functions much like an ecosystem. Indeed, a recipe for simple living.
