ALL ROADS LEAD TO THAT SAME PLACE

When individuals experience nature directly – through walking in forests, tending gardens, or observing wildlife – they develop empathy for living systems and recognize their interdependence with them. Image credit: *NICK BRUNNER* on Unsplash.

By CHANDRAKANT SHAH, MD

Connecting deeply with nature fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the planet.

When individuals experience nature directly – through walking in forests, tending gardens, or observing wildlife – they develop empathy for living systems and recognize their interdependence with them. This awareness becomes the foundation for sustainable living and ecological stewardship, encouraging mindful consumption and conservation-oriented choices that collectively help preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The late Dr Jane Goodall demonstrated through her pioneering work with chimpanzees that humans are part of – not separate from – the natural world. Her lifelong advocacy emphasizes compassion for all living beings and the urgent need to protect habitats to maintain biodiversity. Similarly, Dr David Suzuki, Canada’s leading environmentalist and scientist whose columns are a regular feature in Desi News, has powerfully communicated how human health and well-being are inseparable from the health of the planet. Through The Nature of Things and his writings, Dr Suzuki has urged societies to reconnect with the Earth’s life-support systems and to adopt policies rooted in respect for ecological limits.

In Hindu mythology, animals and birds are not merely creatures of the natural world but carry profound spiritual and symbolic significance. Lord Hanuman, for example, is revered as a monkey-god embodying devotion, courage, and selfless service. Lord Ganesha, with his elephant head, symbolizes wisdom, intellect, and the ability to remove obstacles. Goddess Saraswati is often depicted with a peacock, a bird representing beauty, pride, and learning. Goddess Durga rides a tiger, embodying power and fearless protection. Lord Vishnu reclines on a serpent (Shesha or Ananta), symbolizing eternity and cosmic balance. Lord Shiva is adorned with a cobra around his neck, illustrating control over deadly forces and fearlessness. Perhaps no animal is more sacred in Hinduism than the cow. Considered a symbol of nonviolence, motherhood, and abundance, the cow provides milk, dung, and urine – each with ritual and practical uses. The reverence for cows also reflects the Hindu ethos of respecting and protecting all living beings. Protecting the cow is not just about the animal itself but an extension of the principle of ahimsa (non-harm), which influences dietary practices like vegetarianism.

These representations reflect harmony between humans and the natural world. They remind devotees that animals are integral to the ecosystem and carriers of divine qualities. The respect for animals in Hindu religion serves both spiritual and ecological purposes.

Jainism takes the principle of ahimsa to its highest level. For Jains, non-violence extends not only to animals but also to plants and micro organisms. Strict vegetarianism is practised, and many Jains avoid root vegetables to prevent harm to micro-organisms in the soil. This discipline illustrates profound compassion and ecological awareness. Jain philosophy demonstrates that long before modern concepts of sustainability and animal rights, Indian religions emphasized minimizing harm to all forms of life.

Other world religions also incorporate reverence for animals and ethical dietary practices in different ways.

Buddhism shares with Jainism the principle of compassion and non-violence, with many Buddhists practising vegetarianism.

Christianity and Islam, while permitting meat consumption, encourage kindness to animals, and ritual slaughter in Islam emphasizes minimizing suffering. Judaism also has laws governing humane slaughter and respect for animals.

In Western traditions, animals often serve as metaphors or symbols – such as the lamb representing innocence in Christianity, or the dove representing peace.

Yet, our day-to-day practices have often centered more on human dominion over animals rather than coexistence. This has shifted in recent decades, with growing awareness of animal rights.

In contemporary times, Western societies have developed institutions such as animal sanctuaries, shelters, and legal frameworks to prevent cruelty against animals. Organizations advocate for animal rights, governments enact laws against abuse, and public awareness campaigns emphasize humane treatment.

The recent case of Beluga whales in Ontario where the Government of Canada refused permission to export them to China for amusement purposes and the public outcry against their euthanasia signifies changing public opinion. Though different in form, these measures echo the ancient principles of Hinduism, Jainism, and Indigenous teachings: that animals deserve respect and protection.

Indigenous worldviews, particularly among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada, share striking similarities with Hindu and Jain philosophies in their reverence for animals, birds, and vegetation. The central belief is that all beings are interconnected and that humans are not separate from nature but part of a larger web of life. Animals, birds, and plants are regarded not as resources to be exploited but as relatives, teachers, and spiritual guides.

Many Indigenous traditions teach that animals and birds embody specific qualities or spiritual lessons. For example, the eagle is revered as a messenger that flies closest to the Creator, symbolizing strength, vision, and spiritual connection. The bear represents courage, protection, and healing; the turtle embodies longevity and the Earth itself; while the raven is often seen as a trickster, teaching through humour and mischief. These symbolic roles are not unlike Hindu deities adopting animal forms or associating themselves with particular creatures to convey virtues and cosmic truths.

A central feature of many Indigenous traditions is the use of the “four sacred medicines” – sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco. Together, these medicines are not only spiritual tools but also part of Indigenous medical practices. Their use reflects a holistic worldview where healing must address body, mind, spirit, and community in balance with the natural world.

Indigenous teachings emphasize reciprocity: one should only take what is needed from nature and always give back – whether through prayers, offerings, or sustainable practices. This ethic of stewardship contrasts with Western industrial attitudes, where nature is often commodified. Increasingly, this worldview is being recognized as essential in addressing today’s ecological and health crises.

The shared thread across cultures is that animals, birds, and vegetation are not mere resources but partners in creation, essential for both spiritual fulfillment and ecological balance. By acknowledging the sacred role of animals, birds, and vegetation, and by respecting Indigenous traditions, humanity is reminded that survival and well-being depend not on domination of nature but on balance, harmony, and respect for all living beings. These insights align closely with Hinduism, Jainism, and other ancient philosophies that place compassion and interconnectedness at the center of human conduct.

Also, the legacies created by the late Jane Goodall and Dr Suzuki remind us that reconnecting with nature is not merely an act of admiration, it is an ethical and practical necessity.

By fostering emotional, cultural, and scientific connections with the natural world, we can inspire collective action for the preservation of ecosystems that sustain all life.

SENIOR MOMENT

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THAT SAME PLACE