Vedic Culture and Ecology

Abstract

There is nothing in universe which is devoid of the pañca-mahā bhūta. Since time immemorial man (in Bhārat) has always considered nature as a living entity as himself thus all social and cultural activities here have environmental overtones.In nature everything is included be it animals, birds, plant kingdom and so on. There is no hierarchy, in this every one lives harmoniously with each other.The young minds were taught Bhumi Sukta (Atharvada) were earth is not seen just as a planet or soil but as mother, living and nourishing all the beings without partiality.Water also occupies a special place, being either uncreated or produced in a very peculiar way. It is essential to all forms of life. But, the present state of affairs is gloomy as some nations and organizations are still not acknowledging this fact and in lust for acquiring more or in the name of development the nature is used and abused for selfish intension of man. Be it developed nations, developing nations all need to come together in this mission of saving the environment.Vedic era was the age of enlightenment which was promoting holistic healing and harmonious co-existence and living. So, now is the time where the Vedic values must be revisited and included in daily life. The natural elements must be given due importance and all this can be achieved only if Earth is seen as Vedic seers saw it in Bhumi Sukt. It is our duty for our future generations to give protection and preserve the Mother Earth.