Advaita Teaches To Worship Environment

As we all know today -  The 5Th June is World Environment Day. 

The theme for 2011 is,

Forests-Nature At Your Service-cover one third of the earth’s land mass, performing vital functions and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. In fact, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. They play a key role in our battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon dioxide. Thousands of activities were organized worldwide, with beach clean-ups, concerts, exhibits, film festivals, community events and much more. (Source : World Environment Day. Wikipedia)

Originally this day was started by The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment from 5–16 June 1972. Now, it is celebrated every year. We know, the reason; we are destroying our environment and experiencing dangerous consequences, so now we are realizing the worth of environment and trying to spread awareness by celebrating the day.

In India, we never celebrated a day for environment, because we Daily Worship The Environment. This is so deep rooted in our Hindu or Sanatan Sanskar or Traditional Habits  that we worship the nature naturally from childhood. The Holy Basil – Tulsi plant was and is still worshiped as Mother Goddess by every woman. Unfortunately, this is becoming rare now. Still we find this custom in many places of India.

The roots to worship the Environment can be easily found in the Teachings of Advaita. Many times a question is asked about Hinduism, that why there are so many Gods and Goddesses in Hindu Religion.

Advaita teaches us that God is everywhere, though the forms are different apparently, but the 'Chaitanya' is everywhere. The God is everywhere, in animals, plants, trees, human and in stones too, 

When we meet each other, we naturally ask, “How are you? How’s your family? ”

In Valmiki Ramayana, when Sages used to meet each other, they used to ask about plants and trees too. Such a love for trees is shown by Indian Sages. Because for Indians, who believe in Advaita, Trees are Sacred. Rivers are Mother Goddesses. Rain is The God. Every form of nature is worshiped as The God. Nature has given us this beautiful life, then it is of course The God.

Today we have cut the Jungles and we have stolen the homes from animals. In Indian Culture, it is a faith that there is a god of jungle called as, ‘Vanadevata’. This god takes care of all the animals, plants and everybody in Jungle.

Whether we believe The God or not, but I feel what is actually harm in believing The God? This philosophy  to trust The God is to not spread the superstitions or fear, but actually It is to spread the unconditional love everywhere.

Faith means an unconditional love. When we love somebody, it is our natural behavior that we always take their care. We can’t imagine any harm to them. We will never do any such thing which will hurt or harm our loved ones. We may be selfish sometimes, but not with our loved ones. Even when we love our assets, we take good care of them.

When we see the world from the teachings of Advaita Philosophy, that The God is everywhere, our mind becomes pure. We see the society, our nation, animals, environment everything with love. We can’t harm environment, when we love it and worship it.

When such faiths are beneficial for the society, what will we gain by fighting against them?

We all know the success of Non - Violent Chipko Movement - The Tree Hugging Movement, started in early 1970's.

In 1977,  women tied sacred threads, Rakhi, around trees earmarked for felling in a Hindu tradition which signifies a bond between brother and sisters. (Image and text Source for Chipko movement: Non - Violent Chipko Movement Wikipedia.)

So save the Environment, by Worshiping it. Mother Nature loves us, though we are cruel with her. Now this is the time to do our duty towards society and Environment.

Teaching of Advaita,

“Worship The Environment! 
And Make your life safe and beautiful !!"