Respect 231ya kosha, pranamay kosha, manomaya kosha, vijnanamaya kosha, and
anandmaya kosha. There is a well-knit relationship of cosmic nature
with human nature. The laws of both cosmic nature and human nature
are to be respected in order to explore and experience harmony and sha-
lom on earth. A person knowing the vital and mutual relationship exist-
ing between cosmic nature and human nature will respect both. Respect-
ing mother nature is the beginning of respecting human nature. There is
a connection between the two, similar to an umbilical code between the
mother and the child in the womb. Human life is safe and secure in the
womb of the world, if human beings respect mother nature and do not
sever the lifeline with her. She is sacred and sacramental and reveals the
divine truth, goodness, and beauty. The divine life, love, and light are
encountered in the world through her instrumentality. In light of this it is
reasonable to say: As the respect for Mother Nature, so the formation of
human nature.
One’s relationship with Mother Nature sets the tone and tenor of our
being, behaviour, and becoming. Human relatedness with creation will
be reflected everywhere. The tree is known from by its fruits. When
people recognize the divine presence in creation, then they have great
respect for both nature and the neighbour. This may be illustrated by a
couplet from the Upanisad. Ishavasyamidam yat kincha jagatyam jagat
ten tyakten bunjitha ma grudhah kasya swid dhanam (Ishopanisad 1:1).
The Sanskrit verse means, “the Lord permeates and pervades the whole
universe and therefore enjoy the world with a sense of renunciation and
do no covet the wealth of others.” Or we might say: As one’s regard for
the earth, so the respect for all. In other words, the way we relate with
nature is the way we relate with human beings. Such a respect and rev-
erence emerge from our faith and reason.