The following article appeared in "The Speaking Tree" column in Times of India on 9th Sept 2008. The article is written by Surendra Pal.
Human beings have been drawing spiritual inspiration from nature. This has been going on for ages. According to Buddhist philosopher and photographer Daisaku Ikeda, the response to nature’s beauty is not merely aesthetic but reflects also the ability to discern a deeper meaning and interconnectedness in things. The photographer of nature’s beauty serves as a bridge connecting the hearts of people everywhere with a language that is universal.
Osho in his discourse on ‘Intuition’ quotes the haiku of Basho the Zen mystic and master: “When I look carefully/ I see nazunia blooming/ by the hedge!” Osho says that the deep meaning of it cannot be understood intellectually but only intuitively. The idea is that one can draw deep spiritual inspiration even from a simple message. By observing an ordinary flower and pondering over its beauty, one could feel inspired to try and unravel the mystery of creation. For hasn’t Keats said that “Beauty is truth, truth beauty. That is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”
To feel love and compassion for all, observe nature with totality of mind without getting affected by previously constructed images, opinions or past knowledge. Look around to observe things as if you are seeing them for the first time. Become one with the object of observation. The sun provides light and warmth irrespective of who benefits from it. Clouds, rivers, mountains and jungles follow the same example of universal love.
Trees provide the shade, fruits and flowers with the same unattached benevolence for all. They do not demand favours in return. The earth matures seeds into plants irrespective of who planted the seeds or who will benefit from them. This truly is like a mother’s love for her children. A mother loves all her children and is forgiving even when some are the cause of hurt.
If one learns to appreciate nature, the world will be a much better place to live in. Because through such appreciation, destructive tendencies like jealousy, envy, hatred and selfishness will be overcome. A new era of mutual love and trust will descend on earth. All differences will melt away. Most of our problems have arisen because we have stopped learning from nature.
Imagine the blissful feeling one gets when listening to the chirping of birds at dawn, observing the river flowing placidly in its course, looking at the snow-clad peaks of mountains, taking a stroll in a forest with majestically standing tall trees and looking at the moon on a full-moon night or a star-studded sky on amavasya (new moon) night.
Divine feelings generated by experiences close to nature compel one to ponder over the meaning of life and our place in the universe. This creates in us the urge to become one with the Divine to experience eternal bliss. Live with nature, love nature, protect nature, learn from nature and you will soon rise above all your narrow parochial tendencies. You will become a votary of universal love. The main cause of discontent is because we spend too much time indoors and away from the nurturing restorative powers of nature. So, try to get back to nature in some way. Give yourself some time in the woods, mountains, open meadows or walk barefoot on the beach. Drink in the beauty of nature as much as you can. Even if you live in the city, go and walk along the grass in a park. You will feel more complete, rejuvenated and blissful. So delight in the beauty you see around you.
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3 comments:
we are enjoying the nature and are only taking from it...and we are not doing any good by not giving back what we need to...in a broader sense... the message is clear... n very much appropriate... always share n give irrespective of whom you are servin.. a wonderful article..
I always believed that u are much more intellectual compared to me. I tend to see things in my perspective coz I feel we are here to have fun! No bothering of what others need to say. I'm what I'm. I'm proud of bieng that way. I believe that man will only learn the hard way. Nature hitting us back. Refer to the concept shown in the movie Happening. Man has become selfish and has believed that as long as nobody( nature ) tells to stop the harder way he will not. He is occupied by the materialistic life and the 4 Walls of his comfort zone. Until something/someone drags his attention he will not b ready to listen to what these kinda articles convey. I take my own example to prove this.
Nature gives selflessly and in abundance..and what we get enriches and nurtures us profusely. Its heart rendering to see people trash nature, ruthlessly cut trees and disregard its existence. This article is an eye opener, thought provoking..Its time to reflect, let go of our passive attitude and be proactive and give back what we can to nature as a gessture of appreciation...puja sahu
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