Embracing Hindu teachings can guide us towards environmental conservation and sustainable living for a harmonious, greener future.
In the era of rapid industrialization and urbanization, the environment has suffered a tremendous and irreversible deterioration.
The cause? Mainly us, the human beings who, in our race towards progress, have exploited the environment to an extent where it is starting to hurt every living being on the planet.
The consequences of such actions are dire, and humanity stands to suffer the most from them.
Our ancestors were far more enlightened in this regard, as they left us with a rich legacy of wisdom that preaches harmony with the environment. We have, unfortunately, lost touch with our traditions and roots, the teachings of which could have saved us from the crisis we find ourselves in today.
Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, urges us to consider every tree, bird, and even the smallest worm as essential parts of the cosmic arrangement.
It equates them to humans, insisting on the equal importance of all beings in the grand scheme of things.
These teachings, enshrined in the holy scriptures of Hinduism like Upanishads, Puranas, and the Mahabharata, contain the earliest messages for preservation of environment and ecological balance.
Verses from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad equate trees to humans, emphasizing their significance in maintaining balance in nature.
The Taittariya Upanishad prescribes norms for humans to keep the environment clean.
Moreover, the Iso-Upanishad reveals the profound secrets of life on Earth and the importance of every organism’s role in ensuring mutual survival.
The Puranic literature, dating back to the 4th century AD, also bears testament to the importance of conservation.
It narrates a strict code against harming animals, highlights the virtues of planting trees, and sets out punishments for those who destroy green trees.
From these teachings, it’s evident that the concept of sustainable development is not new. It was understood and practiced by our ancestors long before modern environmentalists started discussing it.
Their teachings were imbued with an understanding of the environment that was deep, nuanced, and ahead of its time.
Our ancestors understood the relationship between man and nature as one of symbiosis and reverence, not domination and exploitation. We can see this perspective echoed in the hymns of the Rig Veda, the philosophical texts of the Upanishads, the epic tales of the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana.
These scriptures urge us to protect the environment, treat all living beings with respect, and live in harmony with nature.
Today, we need to draw from the wisdom of our ancestors and implement their teachings in our modern lives to curb environmental degradation.
It’s not too late to course-correct, to remind ourselves of our roots, to acknowledge our interdependence with the environment and all its creatures.
As we confront the stark reality of our environmental predicament, it is imperative to remember that “The universe along with its creatures belongs to Ishwar. No creation is superior to any other. Human beings should not be above nature.”
The solution lies not in struggling against nature, but rather, in embracing the wisdom of our rich heritage that teaches us to live in harmony with it.
This is the only way to ensure the continued existence and prosperity of all beings on our shared home – the Earth.
Let us be humbled by the profound understanding of the environment shown by our ancestors and strive to emulate their respect and reverence for all life.
Let’s learn from our past, to secure our future.
Ether, air, fire, water, earth, planets, all creatures, directions, trees and plants, rivers and seas, they are all organs of God’s body. Remembering this a devotee respects all species. Srimad Bhagavatam (2.2.41)
