SOME HINDU SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES TO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
“God is pleased with a person who does not harm or destroy other nonspeaking creatures or animals.”
(Visnu Purana: 3.8.15)
“O Mother Earth! You are the world for us and we are your children; let us speak in one accord, let us come together so that we live in peace and harmony, and let us be cordial and gracious in our relationship with other human beings.”
(Arthava Veda, Kanda 12, hymn 1, verse 63)
“Dharma exists for the general welfare (abhyadaya) of all living beings; hence, that, by which, the welfare of all living creatures is sustained, that, for sure is Dharma.”
(Mahabharata, Shanit Parva, chapter 109, verse 10)
“O king, all creatures act according to the laws of their specific species as laid down by the Creator. Therefore, none should act unrighteously (adharma), thinking, “It is I who is powerful.”
(Mahabharata, Vanaparva, chapter 25, verse 16)
Prithvi Sukta is an ancient spiritual text from India, enjoining all human beings to protect, preserve, and care for the environment.
Prithvi Sukta - Hymn to the Earth - from the Atharva Veda.
Translated by Shrinivas S. Sohoni
May this Earth, replete with seas, rivers and water sources, excellent food grain from agriculture, prolific vegetation and abundant living creatures, bestow upon us munificent nutrition!
May the Earth who is in the nature of a mother, hold us, her sons, close to her life-endowing self, protect us, and may Parjanya (the rain-bearing clouds) in the nature of a father, tend our upbringing.
May this Earth so charged with positive force, neutralize that element which impels ill-will, aggressive intention, subjugation of human beings and their elimination.
May the Earth give us, her progeny, the capacity to speak pleasantly with each other, may our languages enable harmonious interaction between ourselves.
May the Earth which imbues men and women with good fortune and good appearance and gives fleet-footedness to the horse and the deer and strength to the elephants, may this Earth imbue us also with radiance; let none be averse to us!
In daily life, on Earth, whether we are sitting, standing, or in motion, may our activity be such as would never cause injury or grief!
I evoke the Earth which gives shelter to all the searchers of truth, to those who are tolerant and have understanding, to all things strength-giving, nutritious; the source of creative spirit, we depend on you, O Earth!
O Earth, in the villages, forest, assemblies, committees and other places on Earth, may what we express always be in accord with you.