To be healed, live with nature and understand all its forms; breathe the fresh air, drink the waters of Mountain Rivers, taste the seasonal fruits, and surrender yourself to the incredible power.
-HH Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj
Ask someone, have you seen God? Most people would answer NO. Then ask, have you seen nature? Everyone would answer YES!
So, most people don’t understand, what is this Nature? It is also a manifestation of God, a way to comprehend God. The Holy River Ganges originates from the matted locks of Lord Shiva; the Holy River is nature itself. Mountains are the Holy abode of Lord Shiva, and are a mesmerizing form of nature. Mankind procures a wide variety of vegetation and food grains from the earth. That is also ‘Annapurna Prakriti’- nature that provides and abundance of food for every living being.
Such is the nature, the existing realization of God. In every form, nature gives proof of the existence of God. When we suffer due to scorching heat in the summers, Mother Nature gives us relief in the form of rain. Nature maintains a balance in the ecosystem and self-regulates the temperatures ensuring man a comfortable life on this earth. And when mankind, knowingly or unknowingly, abuses nature, it resists and reacts to reinstate balance. This is when man realizes the might of nature.
In fact, in its every form nature gives testimony to its power and therefore, in order to live a peaceful and happy life, man must become one with nature. It should never be seen in isolation from the body.
There is absolutely no distinction and so it is said in the Ramayan also-
“छिति जल पावक गगन समीरा। पंच रचित अति अधम सरीरा”
“A human body has been created from five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Sky and Air.”
So, Nature is the manifestation of The Divine, but unfortunately humans are not giving it the needed respect.
Our soils are polluted with chemical fertilizers and hazardous waste materials. Our rivers become dirty by the time they enter the plains. The sky is riddled with noise and air pollution and it might keep on getting worse every year. And we are all aware of the pitiable air quality, especially in our metro cities.
Consequently, human beings are suffering. They are facing diseases, pandemics, and natural disasters across the globe. Their immunity has weakened considerably. This can all be attributed to man’s weak innate bond with nature.
The connection must be stronger and compassionate. Man must realize the value of nature and the fact that earth is their only home. Every resident of this earth has an obligation towards nature. The rewards are infinite.
These days lives are busy, and minds are even busier. Even if you spend some time in nature, your mind may distract you. Control your mind and have a clear intent to connect with nature. Listen to the sounds of nature, develop a spiritual bond with it and take a pledge for becoming one with it by spending more time in its lap.
Take a pledge to wake up early in the morning and breathe in fresh air. Take a pledge to do regular morning exercise and Yoga to infuse nature’s energy in your body.
Spend some time in a garden or a park or anywhere you want because all of nature is just perfect. Feel a spiritual connection while walking or running amid the greenery.
Just imbibe the beauty of your surroundings, notice the finest details that God has imprinted in Nature. Observe the fine veins on the leaves, the different texture of flowers and their unique fragrances, inimitable structures of trees & fruits, seamless flow of rivers, the invincibility of mountains, and the amazing vista of the land.
See, feel, touch, hear, and smell, and show gratitude towards God for this miracle.
Now promise yourself that you will preserve this miraculous gift and manifestation of God himself. It has been rightly said that true beauty unfolds thru your noble actions.
Remember, nature does not need humans to survive, but humans need it. So, awaken to the truth that you are all connected to it and live a nature-centered life. Realize this connection by knowing yourself better. Go beyond your ego and greed to feel this bond and its long-term benefits.
Also acknowledge that a healthy environment is the foundation for a healthy and sustainable society. So, always try to use natural resources wisely for the long-lasting benefit of mankind and be one with nature permanently.