Nature continues to sustain us and replenish its resources even after being exploited by us
Howsoever we try to present ourselves in an orderly manner, the fact remains that we humans are a highly unpredictable species as compared to the laws of nature that are not only fixed but also predictable. In short, nature acts according to a highly integrated and balanced system. The same theory applies to animals that act and behave according to their instincts.
The law of karma binds every single action performed by a human being. Hence, like the physical laws, spiritual laws are also ineluctable and immutable. That is why we experience that any action done with a righteous motive brings peace, joy and contentment to the doer — and to those whom the action intends to benefit. In contrast, deeds done with an unrighteous, selfish intent brings sorrow and discontent to the doer.
We humans express ourselves through different languages, we are too status-conscious, follow intricate rituals and customs and have a strong sense of individuality that makes us want things to happen our own way. The most critical faculty that distinguishes us from the rest of the species is our intellect. It is, in fact, a divine gift to humans through which we can rise up to the highest level of divinity. It is believed that in the long course of human journey through repeated rebirths and interactions with matter and species, the original power and purity of human intellect diminishes. This slow decay manifests in the form of weaknesses or vices such as lust, anger, greed, ego, etc. The same intellect, which exalts us to the status of divinity, when wrongly used, can turn us into a fearsome and destructive species, as is often witnessed today.
One must remember that Mother Nature never inflicts pain on human beings but continues to sustain us and replenish its resources even after being exploited by us. But due to mass degradation of human intellect, the elements of nature show aberrations in the form of earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, fires, drought, etc.
So, what is the solution to this mass degradation of human intellectIJ The only one that can be thought about at this point is to cure human nature, without which there cannot be harmony between nature and human beings. For, there lies the seed of all goodness, the potential to become pure, divine and peaceful. Returning to this true nature will restore everything in this world to its original harmonious order and bring enlightenment.
The writer is a spiritual educator