WHY SHOULD HINDUS CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?
Ṛta = Ritu = Cosmic Order. Ṛta is how the world works. For example, the sun rises and sets each day. It doesn’t happen by chance, there’s a Cosmic order that underpins everything and as such, we are all interconnected and dependent on one another.
So how can we contribute to the welfare of the world?
By performing Dharma and Sevā. The idea that every living being is special inspires us to act so that all life on Earth flourishes. To achieve this, we must selflessly serve others (sevā) and sacrifice our selfish interests for the greater good of the world (Yajñá). Ultimately, when we see Īśvara in all living beings, we practice Bhakti and actions that help the environment become acts of Pūjā (worship).
Put simply, the idea of looking after the environment is simply the ‘right thing to do!’ Just as in an emergency, you assist even a total stranger!
~Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of OCHS~
Enviro-scripture: An insight into our Dharmic Duty to the environment
Next up in our new series is Lord Krishna: ‘the one who encompasses compassion,’.
Click the image on the left to find out more about Lord Krishna
First up in our new series is Lord Varuṇa: ‘the one who encompasses the whole world,’. He is one of the oldest Vedic deities and is the personification of the sky, clouds, water, rivers and ocean.
Click the image on the left to find out more about Lord Varuṇa