Hinduism and nature are so entwined that it is quite impossible to think about one without the other. Texts as early as the Vedas and Upanishads advocate environmental conservation and ecological balance. According to Vedic beliefs, trees, rivers, soil and mountains should all be venerated as forms of God. These aspects of nature were not created to be exploited, desecrated and devoured by human beings out to conquer, manipulate and control. Humans are one link in the ecosystem and in the chain of creation and consciousness. We must live in harmony with nature and recognize the sanctity of all elements of creation.

At a very early age, Hindus are taught to recite the following prayer before commencing their daily activities:

"Samudra Vasane Devi, Parvata Stana Mandale.
Vishnupatni Namastubhyam, Paada Sparsham Kshamasva Me."

Translation:

"Salutations to the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, Who is clothed by oceans and adorned by the mountains. Pardon me mother, for setting my foot on you.

In this prayer, Hindus pay homage to Mother Earth (Bhumi Devi) as a Goddess. It is considered an offense to trample on the earth and to partake of natural resources without expressing gratitude and humane concern for the environment. Perceiving the Divine as a foreign supremacy detached from the physical world is dangerous, for such a belief disregards sentiments of reverence towards nature. You may not call the earth "Bhumi Mata" or the river, "Ganga Mata." You may not perform ceremonial rituals to honor aspects of nature. However, next time you go hiking, mountain-climbing, bird-watching or even walking in a local park, see your trip as a spiritual odyssey. Appreciate the interconnectedness of the environment and abandon domineering and egocentric beliefs.

Hinduism bestows us with a sense of liability and responsibility, which involves activate participation to protect the environment and save our natural resources. This is not a theoretical principle of love and appreciation. We cannot worship Mother Nature and then undertake actions that defile Her. We must learn to exercise reasoning and prudence.

                     A Depiction of Mother Ganga, Goddess of the Sacred Rivers

 According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu tells of the power of the Ganges, "Thousands of man's sins get destroyed by the Holy sight of the Ganges, and he becomes pure by the touch of the water of the Ganges, by consuming it, or just by pronouncing Ganga-Ganga." Lord Vishnu, the Sustainer of the Universe, did not mention placing material items in the Ganges as a means of worshipping Her. Thus, why do we believe that cloth, camphor, bamboo and other ritual items should be actively placed in the water? Hindu beliefs of reverence toward the environment and rituals of worship toward nature should both be admired by the world at large. However, Hindus must stop placing items that are not rapidly biodegradable in bodies of water. This practice is contradictory to the principle of environmental harmony. We have to step on Mother Earth to engage in our daily activities, but we do not have to place items in Mother Ganga. Live logically and lovingly.