Sameer Rekhi
Aquestion has been bothering me for the past few months. Whether destiny and karma are limited to the human race only or do they extend to other living beings also? We have been conditioned to think, rightly or wrongly, that human beings are special creatures, superior to all living beings on the earth. Is it so? My mind has been working almost continuously on this existential question, where I see no clear answers. I have not been able to convince myself that God belongs to human beings only and all existence revolves around us. Lest the reader misinterpret this statement, I wish to make it clear that the belief: ‘God’s grace for all living beings’ is not an issue here. I do not dispute this belief system but only that God primarily belongs to humans. We take birth, grow up, age and die just like other living organisms. Moreover, we eat, recreate, procreate and take care of our little ones just like other animals do. It is said that human beings are different as they have power to think and plan their actions. Just have a look at ants, who plan and store their food stock for the days of hibernation; the honey bees who under the directions of a queen bee work like regimented soldiers to produce honey and we would not be so sure of this surmise. I believe this dilemma is linked to the basic question. “What is the purpose of our life?” As I understand, the basic purpose of any animal, bird or insect is to feed and take care of itself; grow healthy; find a mating partner; produce offspring; feed and nurture them until they grow strong on their feet or wings; let go of them and live on till death comes knocking. The same applies to us human beings. If we deeply look at our lives, it’s just the same. We take birth, eat, growup, marry and produce children, make them grow independent, age and ultimately die. So I infer that the universe, nature and God belong to all living creatures as much as they belong to us, humans. Almost unexceptionally, all Hindu Devas and Devis are linked with some or the other element of nature or creature of this universe. Even as Lord Shiva, the Mahadev is depicted as having Nagas around him, Lord Vishnu with his consort Maa Lakshmi resting under the shadow of spread out Sheshnag, Maa Durga riding a Lion, Lord Rama being worshiped by Hanumanta sitting at his feet and so on and so forth. Devas Indra, Varuna, Agni, Vayu, Surya et al are associated with rains, seas, fire, wind and light respectively. What do we make out of these associations? Let’s ponder! Whenever we see any depiction of God and saints of any religion or faith, invariably we find them ensconced in the lap of mother nature with a stream of water running along, amidst pristine surroundings flocked with beautiful birds and animals. I am inclined to believe that the message being conveyed over centuries of human existence is that God manifests only with or among elements of nature and in the worship of God we are obligated to preserve and beautify nature. We are not going to realize God if we damage or distort his abode. Here comes the doctrine of Advaita (a branch of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the unity of the individual and God). Can mankind be separated from nature? In my view they are inseparable and a part of each other. Like we humans are an incredible wonder of the universe, each living creature and plant is magic in itself. Who could have conjured such unbelievable creation but God and that is why we see and worship him in all that He has created. As per the tenets of Advaita, whose main proponent was Adi Shankara, meditation is supposed to awaken our innerself to be one with God. Alternately, spending time alone amidst nature is also a form of meditation. Gardening, Jungle treks, walking along mountain streams and lakes, etc. lends us peace and fulfillment just as meditation does. We live in two lives: one in our thoughts and another in the moment. Oneness with God starts manifesting as the life of thoughts starts diminishing. One starts living in the present, in sync with the cravings of the soul. This is how peace descends upon us and gives us a feeling of bliss amongst the elements of nature. One may seek to realize God by spending one’s actual life in the company of the elements of His creation. Spending time with plants, nurturing and caring for them as well as birds, squirrels, chameleons, lizards, butterflies etc in one’s garden or a park lends that feeling of oneness with God and freedom from unbalancing and depressing thoughts. Soaking in the beauty of flowers, the fragrance of first rainfall, the vivacity of butterflies, the heavenly warmth of winter sun, the happening life in the earth beneath your feet, the playful mountain stream, the purity of fresh air, it is bliss inside out. There is so much in God’s creation that a whole life would not be sufficient to observe & enjoy even the most obvious and readily seen nature’s objects and creatures. Just pull yourself away from worldly worries and drench yourself in God’s fragrance.
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