Respect Nature And Purify Thought, Word And Deed Part – Ninety six

Respect Nature And Purify Thought, Word And Deed

The Devi Navaratri or the Sharad Navaratri is one of the most important festivals observed in the Bharatiya tradition. Different regions of the subcontinent celebrate it in their own unique ways, but it goes without saying that this indeed is an auspicious nine-day period for all. Since the early 1940s Dasara (another name for this festival) has been observed with much gaiety and reverence in the presence of Bhagawan too. For devotees of Bhagawan, the Dasara festival was an occasion to adore Swami as the Divine Mother Principle. Yes, we wish to worship Him during this festival! Yes, we wish to celebrate His matchless Divine Persona! But if worship is offered to please the Lord, isn’t it important to worship Him in the manner that pleases Him? Isn’t it essential to offer what He expects rather that what we wish to give? Bhagawan explained lucidly what is the true worship we must offer during this sacred Navaratri festival, during a discourse delivered on 27 Sep 1992.

Interestingly, Swami speaks of the importance of Nature. What is the relationship between nature and God? But why should we worship and adore Nature? Let us hear what Swami had to say.

On the other hand, if you do not sow the seeds and keep them in your hands, what is the use? So, if you want the seeds to bear the fruits in future, you should sow them in the ground. It is Earth which makes the seed grow into a tree and later on bear the fruits. So for all the existence, earth is the basis. So, if man has to remove his ignorance, he has to worship the nature. You should worship the nature and receive the grace of the lord.

Bhagawan beautifully explained that for anything to be successful, one needs both human effort and Divine Grace. And that is why it is most essential to worship Nature, a practice which is part of all ancient cultures. This reverential attitude will also ensure that we do not misuse Mother Nature. But how is the worship of nature related to the worship of the Divine Mothers? What is the relationship between the Devis and Prakruti?

Prakruti (Nature) is made up of the three qualities, Satwa, Rajas and Tamas. Lakshmi represents the Satwa Guna. Saraswathi represents the Rajo Guna and Parvathi represents the Tamo Guna. As Prakruti (Nature) is made up of these three qualities (Satwa, Rajas and Tamas), to get control over Nature and to receive grace from Nature, man has been offering worship to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. These are not goddesses but deified symbols of the three qualities. This Prakruti is made of these three qualities, and the worship of this Prakruti is the very purpose of human life.

Indeed a profound message – True Devi Puja is the observance of Trikarana Shuddhi (Unity and Purity of thought, word and deed). If this is how we should offer worship, why do we observe festivals? If not for praising and worshipping God, what are these festivals meant for?

Respect Nature And Purify Thought – divine wisdom for positive living

Respect Nature And Purify Thought is a powerful message for every person who wants to live with peace, balance, and spiritual awareness. Nature is not separate from human life. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the earth that supports us are all sacred gifts. When we respect nature, we respect the divine order that sustains life.

Human beings often forget their connection with creation. In the race for comfort, success, and convenience, people sometimes misuse natural resources without thinking about the future. Trees are cut carelessly, rivers are polluted, animals are harmed, and the earth is treated as if it has no life. Such actions show impurity of thought. A pure mind cannot destroy what supports all beings.

Respect Nature And Purify Thought teaches that outer pollution begins with inner pollution. When the mind is filled with greed, carelessness, pride, and selfish desire, it naturally harms the world outside. If thoughts become pure, actions also become pure. A person with a clean heart will not waste water, throw dirt carelessly, hurt animals, or damage the beauty of creation.

Nature silently teaches great spiritual lessons. The sun gives light without discrimination. The trees offer shade and fruit without pride. Rivers flow for the benefit of all. The earth carries everyone with patience. These examples show selfless service, humility, and balance. If we observe nature with a pure heart, it becomes a living scripture.

Respect Nature And Purify Thought also reminds us that the body itself is part of nature. The five elements support our life. If nature becomes disturbed, human health also suffers. Polluted air weakens the body, polluted water spreads disease, and disturbed surroundings create mental stress. Protecting nature is not only environmental duty; it is also spiritual responsibility.

Purifying thought means removing negativity from the mind. Anger, jealousy, hatred, greed, and arrogance make the inner world dirty. Just as we clean our homes, we must clean our thoughts daily. Prayer, meditation, gratitude, good company, spiritual reading, and selfless service help remove mental impurities. A pure mind becomes peaceful and naturally respects all life.

Respect Nature And Purify Thought should begin with simple daily habits. We can avoid waste, keep surroundings clean, plant trees, save water, protect animals, and use resources carefully. These actions may look small, but they carry deep meaning when done with awareness. Every responsible action becomes an offering to the Divine.

A person who respects nature also develops gratitude. Every meal reminds us of the soil, rain, sunlight, farmers, and countless unseen forces that support life. Every breath reminds us of trees and fresh air. Every drop of water reminds us of divine kindness. Gratitude makes the heart humble and reduces the habit of taking life for granted.

Respect Nature And Purify Thought is also important for children. If children learn early to care for plants, avoid waste, love animals, and keep places clean, they grow into responsible human beings. Along with education, they should learn reverence for nature. A child who respects creation is more likely to become compassionate toward people also.

The connection between thought and environment is deep. A peaceful mind creates peaceful surroundings. A careless mind creates disorder. If homes, streets, rivers, and public places are dirty, it reflects a lack of inner discipline. Clean surroundings are not only a civic need; they are signs of respect, responsibility, and purity.

Respect Nature And Purify Thought also teaches moderation. Excessive desire creates excessive consumption. People buy more than they need, waste more than they realize, and live with constant dissatisfaction. A simple life reduces pressure on nature and brings peace to the heart. Simplicity is not poverty; it is wisdom. It teaches us to use what is needed and avoid unnecessary greed.

Spiritual life becomes incomplete if we worship God but disrespect His creation. Offering flowers in prayer while harming plants carelessly is contradiction. Chanting holy names while polluting rivers is not true devotion. Real devotion must show in conduct. When we protect nature, serve living beings, and keep our thoughts pure, worship becomes meaningful.

Nature also helps purify the mind. Sitting quietly under a tree, watching the sky, listening to birds, or walking in fresh air can calm inner restlessness. The silence of nature takes us closer to the silence within. It reminds us that peace is not always found in noise, speed, and endless activity. Sometimes the soul heals in simplicity.

Respect Nature And Purify Thought finally means living with awareness that all life is connected. We cannot harm nature and remain safe. We cannot fill the mind with negativity and expect peace. Outer harmony and inner purity must grow together. When thoughts become pure, actions become responsible. When actions become responsible, the world becomes more peaceful.

Human life becomes blessed when we live gently on the earth and lovingly in the heart. Let our thoughts become clean, our words become kind, our actions become careful, and our attitude become grateful. By respecting nature and purifying thought, we protect life, honor the Divine, and create a more peaceful future for all.