Guiding Light: Purity Within, Purity Without

As we observe Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day on June 5, we are gifted with a rare opportunity to reflect not only on our ecological responsibilities but also on our spiritual duties. These two observances, though seemingly separate, speak of a unified truth, our environment, especially our sacred rivers, which are not mere resources. They are living, divine presences deserving of reverence.

Ganga Dussehra commemorates the holy descent of Maa Ganga from the heavens, a celestial blessing meant to purify the Earth and uplift humanity. The Ganga is not just a river; she is a sacred mother, a spiritual current that flows through time, tradition, and the hearts of millions. Her descent was the result of thousands of years of penance by King Bhagirath, and his wish was granted through the blessings of Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva themselves.

A verse (10.9.1) in the Rig Veda reads, "Aapo hi shthaa mayo bhuvasthaa na urje dadhatana", which translates to, "O waters, you are the source of joy and nourishment. Grant us strength and vitality". This verse beautifully captures the Vedic reverence for natural elements, not as commodities, but as divine forces.

In contrast, World Environment Day reminds us how far we’ve drifted from this sacred relationship. We often treat the Earth as a possession, an inheritance we can exploit. But nature is not ours to own, it is a legacy we must preserve, a spiritual companion we must honour.

The recent enthusiasm for the Kumbh Mela, where millions gathered in devotion at the Ganga’s banks, showed us how deeply we revere her. Yet, this devotion must extend beyond ritual and translate into action. To bathe in her waters and yet pollute her stream is a contradiction. True spiritual progress arises not just from ceremonies but from cultivating sensitivity and responsibility toward all life.

Keeping the Ganga and our rivers clean is not merely an environmental effort, it is a spiritual practice. When we treat nature with reverence, we tune our consciousness to a higher frequency, one that aligns with the divine rhythm of creation. Let this Ganga Dussehra and World Environment Day be a moment of inner renewal, where outer cleanliness reflects inner purity, and our care for the Earth becomes our path to the Divine.

news