As climate change looms large, the exploration of the profound connection between humanity and nature draws from ancient Vedic philosophy to emphasise our responsibilities as caretakers of the Earth

Is climate change here? Is it on its way? Is it still some time away? Or is it ….? So ... how long does one wait, for the inflection point to be reached? Or ... have we just started tipping over and we want to safely wish it away. And stay in denial the jury is still out in the open. However, two things are in our face — the enormity of the situation (if it is here or for others when it will be) and the pivotal role Nature has in our life and existence on earth.

Our ancient texts have always given the highest status to Nature - The Maternal status. Devoted. Nurturing. Pliable (to the maximum extent). Warm. Affectionate. Effusing warmth and acre. Protecting. Tender. Strict when rules bend beyond a point. Gentle. And perhaps the most important — trusting.

Nature signified as the Maa Prakriti or Mother Nature and the consequent behaviour of the Child (the inhabitants) plays a key role in Vedic philosophy. The Indian scriptures give precious insights and reflect a deep philosophical significance to this. This concept and understanding are rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads and Smritis elucidate the relationship between us humans’ conscious beings and the natural world, personifying nature as a fostering mother.

The oldest of scriptures available to us (The Vedas) depict the portrayal in of Nature as The Divine Mother form. This portrayal encourages the reverence for the natural elements and the understanding that they have been and continue to be the main sustaining force for all Life forms.

One of the earliest mentions can be found in the ãig Veda, where various hymns celebrate the Mother Earth (Prithvi) as a maternal figure who caters to the sustenance and nourishment of all living beings.

sa dhÀtÀ pÃthvÁ bhavatyajÀyamÀnÀyÉ vis´vÀyuÍ kavyÀm

agrabhÂdÂrdhvÀÚ

vivasvÀnamÀnamÂtayeme

‘He is the establisher of the Earth when she was being born, the Sage, the lord of what has been and what will be, all-seeing, and the light of lights.’ This hymn compliments Mother Earth as the provider and sustainer of life. It emphasises its role akin to a nurturing mother who supports and nourishes all living beings.

If Nature and the Earth are The Mother we palpably are her children, often having to be brought to book because of frequent infringements with Mother Nature. The spiritual analogy of behaving like a child in the context of Vedic interpretation symbolizes qualities such as innocence, trust, spontaneity, and a sense of awe and wonder. I wish I could add the word ‘simple’ here. If only we were simple, tolerant, and sensitive to the value of coexistence with Mother Nature.

The Chandogya Upanishad (7.26.2) explores the nature of reality and self and uses the metaphor of a child to illustrate the point.

taÉ vidyÀkamaÍ s´ÀntaÍ samaÍ prajñÀnaÉ brahma

‘Desiring that wisdom, he becomes tranquil, disciplined, restrained, self-controlled, patient, and refined.’

This verse underscores the qualities of tranquillity, patience, and wisdom that a seeker of truth cultivates, qualities that are often compared to those found in a child who is innocent and trusting - What we need to imbibe as inhabitants (children of Mother Nature)

Integration of Concepts

The Vedic construal highlights this integration as a holistic worldview where we humans are inseparably interconnected with the Nature and the It encourages humility, sensitivity, veneration, a sense of responsibility towards nature, viewing it not merely as a resource but as a living entity deserving reverence and care.

The Bhagavad Gita, reflects these principles (9.17)

pitÀhamasya jagato mÀtÀ dhÀtÀ pitÀmahaÍ vedyam pavitram oÉkÀr ÃksÀma yajureva ca

“I am the father of this world, the mother, the support, and the grandsire; I am the object of knowledge, the purifier, the syllable Om, and also the Rig, the Sama, and the Yajur Vedas.”

Here, Lord Krishna identifies himself with various aspects of creation, reinforcing the idea of divinity permeating all existence and nurturing it, akin to a loving parent.

Nature and its inhabitants are indivisible, like mother and her child entwined in a spiritual understanding.  It lends not only reverence for life and existence but for spiritual growth and self-understanding. It urges us to embrace sublime qualities with every resource existent on earth - not as a tool for survival always but as a vital coexistent partner. The gorgeous connect invites embodies the spiritual journey fostering a harmonious relationship with the environment. Where we are now may not be sustainable. Where we are headed needs to be.

(The writer is a versatile professional with 3 decades in corporate experience & leadership roles, excelling in several areas as an ICF Certified Mentor Life Coach, Corporate Coach, Spiritual Intelligence Coach & CXO Coach. Spiritual counselor, Astro & Vastu consultant (25+ years of grounding in Vedanta philosophy) and a Motivational speaker. He is a Dale Carnegie’s T3 graduate)