SUSTAINABILITY & ISHAVASYAM

Today is 22nd April 2024 The World Earth Day. World Earth Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living. Our fore fathers realized the importance of sustainability and environment conservation thousands of years ago. The Vedas offer timeless wisdom that aligns with modern environmental concerns. Upanishad means connection. The connection between the Guru and sishya the mentor and mentee . Upanishad literally means sitting near. When the connection is established transmission of knowledge happens. This knowledge is not mere intellectual exercise but it transcends that, as this knowledge is beyond that and which instill wisdom. The first sloka of Ishavasya upanishad is "Ishavasyam idam sarvam" ie Everything in this universe is permeated and pervaded by shiva or Ishwara the unity consciousness. The Ishavasya upanishad starts with shantipath.

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Om Puurnnam-Adah Puurnnam-Idam Puurnnaat-Purnnam-Udacyate

Puurnnashya Puurnnam-Aadaaya Puurnnam-Eva-Avashissyate ||

Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih |

It means "that is whole, this is whole, the perfect has come out of the perfect, and let there be peace".?It indicates the unity of consciousness in its multiplicity. Everything is part of the infinite, whole source and nothing is separate and lacking. All is connected. Our rishis transmitted scientific knowledge, the knowledge of aurveda, medicine, art, philosophy all through rhythmic verses. So literature is not separate from science.

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Now how does it connect to sustainability? When we become aware of the oneness and connectivity of all beings, we understand that ones action has an effect on the environment, social and governance structure. In vedic science we find the reference of indras net , the tensegrity that effects the action of one element on the whole structure. So this one line of Ishavasya "Ishavasyam idam sarvam" is fundemental to all our knowledge and learning. This one awareness can create a better world. So it is important that apart from having a scientific knowledge, with disrupting technologies we understand the fundamental core values that our forefathers the Rishis tried to instill. So along with technological advancement, let us delve in spiritual science also. This will create a better world which is sustainable. In this scenario of climate change, sustainable and responsible living should be the way of life. Sustainable Development implies meeting the need of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, sustainability is the long-term maintenance of responsibility, which has environmental, economic and social dimensions.

In vedas through hymns our seers honoured the five elements. There is profound wisdom in ?the?Vedic hymns?and they offer solace in times of turmoil. These ancient verses resonate with the themes of?environment?and?peace. The Prithvi Sukta in the?Atharva Veda, is the oldest and most evocative environmental invocation. “Mata Bhumih Putroham Prithivyah”: Earth is my mother, I am her son.'?In all events the blessings of Mother Earth was invoked.

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May peace radiate there in the whole sky as well as in the vast ethereal space everywhere.

May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all herbs, trees and creepers.

May peace flow over the whole universe.

May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahman.

And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone.

Aum peace, peace and peace to us and all beings!

The Earth was regarded as a 'sacred space' for the consecrated aspirations and endevours of humankind and for the practice of restraint and responsibility.?

So on this Earth Day if we could be aware of our rich spiritual heritage we will be aware of the concern for Environmental Social Governance ESG, the buzz word for sustainability. So just remember the first sloka of Ishavasya upanishad is "Ishavasyam idam sarvam".Your action has an impact on ?the environment and society in which you as an individual or an organization operate. So responsibility and sustainability go hand in hand.?