Man

and

Nature

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

Man and Nature
by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi
Translated from Malayalam by Swami Amritaswarupananda

Published by
Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust
Amritapuri P. O., Kollam Dist.,
Kerala 690 525, India
Email: mam@amritapuri.org
Website: www.amritapuri.org

First Edition 1994

Printed 1994 - 2007: 20,000 copies
Tenth Edition 2008: 1,000 copies

Layout at Amrita DTP

Printed by Amrita Offset Printers

© 2000 by Mata Amritanandamayi Center. All rights re-

served. No portion of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise—without written permission of the publisher.
“Only through love and compassion
is the protection and preservation
of Nature possible.”
 Preface

Life teaches us that experience is the best form

of education. Real Teachers are those who
awaken the knowledge which already exists
within us, and who remind us that knowing
something and yet, not doing anything about
it, is the same as not knowing. Mother’s inimi-
table way of transforming our knowing into
doing, arises from Her loving reminder that
“Religion is something to be lived.”
Religion is an attempt to erase our false
perception of the ego and to remove the sense
of duality from our lives, that artificial distinc-
tion between the ego and everything else. The
same sense of ego that stops us from being
compassionate towards other human beings,
because we mistakenly believe ourselves to
 Man and Nature

be separate, also allows us to destroy the

environment because we do not realize that
we are part of it. Most people still act as if
the environment is some place, far away in
the forests or the mountains, rather than the
place where we all live, or the beings that we
are. Mother says that “To deny the existence
of God is to deny one’s own existence.” So it
is with Nature, which is God in visible form.
Although many people believe that man was
meant to conquer Nature, in attempting to do
so we have become our own worst enemy. We
are a part of Nature. Her continued capacity
to protect and nurture depends on our ability
to re-establish a balance in our relation to the
Earth and all its creatures.
Mother’s words are an appeal to discover
the quiet selflessness which slumbers within all
of us. Nature is also calling. But Her cries have
become more strident of late, as humans are
destroying more and more of Earth’s capacity
for renewal. Being part of Nature means that
we ourselves are the environment. We must
begin to see that the Earth’s needs are exactly
the same as our own.
There is nothing to add to Mother’s dis-
cussion on Nature and our role on this planet.

6
 Preface

This is hardly surprising given the indivis-

ibility between God and Nature, for indeed
they are one and the same. To deny Nature
diminishes our own spirit and our capacity
for freedom. The same stillness that we seek
within is the same stillness that still pervades
the forests, the oceans and mountain tops.
And in the same way that we must focus and
strive to still our inner turmoil and find peace,
we must also act to undo the damage which
we wreak against Nature. Service to the Earth
and its creatures is no less a service to God
than any other form of service. Let us renew
our faith in service to the Earth.

—Sam La Budde
Director
Endangered Species Project
Earth Island Institute
San Francisco, CA

7
 Contents
Question: What is the relationship between man
and Nature? 10
Question: What part does religion play in the
relationship between man and Nature? 12
Question: What caused the break in the relation-
ship between Nature and human beings? 21
Question: What is the connection between spiri-
tual practices and the protection of Nature?  26
Question: How serious is the environmental
problem?  31
Question: Are human beings becoming a threat
to the very existence of life on earth? 37
Question: Is it necessary to give more impor-
tance to human needs than to Nature? 39
Question: What are the steps that can be taken in
societyto prevent the destruction of Nature and
animals?41
Question: Are the forests an indispensable part of
the earth? 43
Question: Is it advisable to approach spiritual
masters without trying to solve the current
problems ourselves? 44
 MAN
AND

NATURE
The following
are Mother’s an-
swers to questions
on environmental
issues presented to
Her by Mr. Sam
La Budde, a lead-
ing environmen-
talist in the Unit-
ed States.
 Man and Nature

Question: What is the relationship between

man and Nature?

MMA: Children, man is not dif-

ferent from Nature. He is part of
Nature. The very existence of human
beings on earth depends on Nature.
In truth, we are not protecting Na-
ture — it is Nature who protects us. Trees and
plants, for example, are absolutely necessary
for the purification of vital energy (the life
force). Everyone knows that human beings
cannot live in a desert. The reason is that there
are no trees there to purify the vital energy. If
atmospheric purification does not take place,
the health of humans will deteriorate. It will
cause a decrease in their life span, various
diseases, and poor eyesight or even blind-
ness. Our lives are inextricably dependent on
Nature; even a small change in Nature will
affect our lives on this planet. Similarly, man’s
thoughts and actions have an effect on Nature.
If the balance in Nature is lost, the harmony
of human life will also be lost, and vice versa.
The one factor which connects a human
being to Nature is the innate innocence within
man. When we see a rainbow, or the waves of

10
 Interview with Amma

the ocean, do we still feel the innocent joy of a

child? An adult who experiences a rainbow as
being nothing but light waves will not know
the joy and wonder of a child who sees a rain-
bow, or a child who is watching the waves of
the ocean.
Faith in God is the best way to sustain
this childlike innocence in man. He who has
faith and devotion to God, which in turn
stems from his innate innocence, beholds God
in everything, in every tree and animal, in
every aspect of Nature. This attitude enables
him to live in perfect harmony, in tune with
Nature. The never ending stream of love that
flows from a true believer towards the entire
Creation will have a gentle, soothing effect
on Nature. This love is the best protection of
Nature.
It is when our selfishness increases that
we begin to lose our innocence. When this
happens, man becomes estranged from Nature
and begins to exploit her. Man doesn’t know
what a terrible threat he has become to her.
By harming ­Nature, he is paving the way for
his own destruction.
As man’s intellect and scientific knowledge
grow, he should not forget the feelings of his

11
 Man and Nature

heart, which enable him to live in accordance

with Nature and her fundamental laws.

Question: What part does religion play in the

relationship between man and Nature?

MMA: It is religion that helps a

person to maintain the awareness
that he or she is not separate from
Nature. Without religion mankind
loses that awareness. Religion
teaches us to love Nature. In truth, the prog-
ress and prosperity of mankind depend solely
on the good which man does for Nature.
Religion helps to maintain a harmonious re-
lationship between human beings, between
the individual and society, and between man
and Nature.
The relationship between man and Nature
is like the relationship between Pindanada (the
microcosm) and Brahmananda (the macro-
cosm). Our great ancestors understood this.
That is why they gave so much importance to
Nature worship in religious practices. The idea
behind all religious acharam (practices) was to
closely ­associate human beings with Nature.
By establishing a loving relationship between

12
 Interview with Amma

man and N ­ ature, they

ensured both the bal-
By establishing a ance of Nature and the
progress of the human
loving relationship
race.
between man Look at a tree. It
gives shade even to
and Nature, they
the person who cuts it
ensured both the down. It gives its sweet,
delicious fruits to the
balance of Nature person who harms it.
and the progress of But our attitude is com-
pletely different. When
the human race. we plant a tree, or raise
an animal, we are only
concerned about the
profit we will make
from it. If the animal ceases to make a profit,
we will have it destroyed without delay. As
soon as the cow stops producing milk, we will
sell it to the butcher in order to make money. If
a tree stops yielding fruit, we will cut it down
and make furniture or something else from
it. Selfishness reigns supreme. Selfless love
cannot be found anywhere. But our ances-
tors were not like this. They knew that trees,
plants and animals were absolutely necessary

13
 Man and Nature

for the benefit and good

of humans. They foresaw
that man, in his selfish
moments, would forget
Nature, and would cease
to have any concern for
her. They also knew that
future generations would suffer, due to man’s
disassociation from Nature. They therefore
linked each religious rite with ­Nature. Thus,
through religious principles, they could suc-
ceed in developing an emotional bond be-
tween man and Nature. The Ancients loved
and worshipped trees and plants, such as the
banyan tree, bilva and tulasi, not because the
trees bore fruit and helped them to make a
profit, but because the Ancients knew that
they themselves in truth were one with all of
Nature.
Religion teaches man to love the entire
Creation. Some people mock religion saying
that it is mere blind belief; yet it is gener-
ally found that the actions of such people do
greater harm to Nature than those who believe
in God. It is the religious minded people, not
these so-called intellectuals, who protect, pre-
serve and love Nature. There are some people

14
 Interview with Amma

who, by quoting modern scientific theories,

are always trying to prove that whatever re-
ligion teaches is wrong. The truth is that the
reverence and devotion that human beings de-
velop through their religious faith are always
beneficial, both to humanity and to Nature.
Religion teaches us to worship God with-
in Nature. Through the stories of Sri Krishna’s
life, the tulasi (basil) plant and the cow have
become very dear to the people of India, who
lovingly protect and look after them. In times
past, there would be a pond and a small grove
of trees adjoining every house in India. Each
home had a tulasi plant growing in the front
yard. Tulasi leaves are highly medicinal. The
leaves won’t decay, even if plucked and kept for
several days; the medicinal potency remains.
Part of the daily routine in those days was to
water the tulasi plant every morning, bowing
down with reverence and devotion in front
of it, worshipping it as an embodiment of
the Goddess. This was the traditional way of
reverence and worship which the Indians also
showed to other trees, such as the banyan,
the bilva and the fig. The medicinal value of
tulasi leaves, which was known to the ancients
rishis eons ago, has now been proven through

15
 Man and Nature

modern scientific experiments. But the ques-

tion is, do scientists and others who have dis-
covered the medicinal value of the tulasi and
other sacred plants, show the same love and
reverence toward Nature as the Ancients did,
who were inspired by their religious faith? Is it
not religious faith which helps to protect and
preserve Nature, rather than the knowledge
obtained through modern science?
Suppose you have ten seeds. Consume
nine of them if you want, but let at least one
seed remain for planting. Nothing should be
destroyed completely. If you receive a hundred
dollars from a harvest, at least ten dollars
should be given to charity.
The scriptures of India teach that a house-
holder should perform the pancha yajnas,
or five daily sacrifices. The first of these is
the deva yajna, or worshipping of God, the
Supreme Power, which is to be done with
devotion and to the best of one’s ability. Next
comes rishi yajna, or the adoration of the
sages. The ancient God-Realized sages did not
allow their unique experiences to vanish into
oblivion. Out of compassion for humanity,
they passed them on in the form of scriptures
and other sacred writings. A devout study and

16
 Interview with Amma

practice of the scriptural teachings constitute

this sacrifice. The third is pitru yajna. This
consists of showing respect and rendering
service towards one’s parents and elders. It
also includes thinking holy and auspicious
thoughts for the welfare of one’s departed
ancestors. Fourth comes nara yajna, or service
rendered to mankind. This includes all forms
of selfless service, such as feeding the poor and
serving the sick and the aged. Bhuta yajna is

the last sacrifice; it is to serve all living beings

as embodiments of the Universal Being. This
is done through the feeding of and caring for
the animal kingdom and the plants. In olden
days family members never ate before feeding
their domestic birds and animals. They would
also water their plants and trees before eating.
In those days, worshipping Nature and natural
phenomenon were part and parcel of human
life. People were always eager to please Nature
in gratitude for her kind gifts. Bhuta yajna

17
 Man and Nature

brings about the consciousness of the unity

of all life. Through these rituals and sacrifices,
human beings learn to live in harmony with
society and Nature.
More than the knowledge of modern
science, it is the deeper understanding of reli-
gion, the truth of the oneness of all Creation,
which teaches humans to love Nature, and
to develop a sense of reverence and devotion
to all. The love that religion teaches is not
the kind of love which a gross intellect can
understand. It is that of the heart. It can only
be imbibed by a person who is endowed with
a subtle intellect born out of faith.
If there is a policeman in a village, fewer
thefts will occur because people fear him.
Similarly, reverence and devotion to God
help to maintain dharma, or right conduct,
in society. By truly imbibing the principles of
religion, and by observing the prescribed cus-
toms, people can avoid committing mistakes.
Those who declare that religion is merely
a collection of blind beliefs will not spare even
a moment in order to try to understand the
scientific principles behind religious practices.
Modern science can produce rain by spraying
silver iodide in the clouds. However, the water

18
 Interview with Amma

from such unnaturally caused rain may not be

completely pure. The scriptures, on the other
hand, prescribe certain ritual sacrifices that will
bring rain. The wise ones know that the purity
of rain water obtained through these means
is far superior to water obtained through un-
natural methods, such as cloud seeding.

19
 Man and Nature

In a similar manner, a very beneficial

change both for Nature and for human be-
ings can be brought about by offering pre-
scribed ingredients into the sacrificial fire.
All such sacrifices and rituals help to restore
the lost harmony and balance of Nature. Just
as ayurvedic herbs and plants cure physical
diseases, the smoke that emanates from the
sacrificial fire, in which ingredients of medici-
nal value are offered, purifies the atmosphere.
Burning incense, lighting oil lamps, offering
pure food in a sacrificial fire, or to God, also
helps cleanse the atmosphere. The side effects
of such rituals will not create as much pollu-
tion as chlorine and the disinfectants which
are used for purifying water and destroying
germs. The smoke that comes from the sacri-
ficial fire also helps to cleanse the respiratory
system, by removing the mucus and phlegm
that block the air passages.
Modern science says that it is harmful to
look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse.
The same cautionary advice was given by the
ancient rishis eons ago. Using a primitive but
effective method, they only looked at the sun’s
image reflected in water, in which cow dung
had been dissolved.

20
 Interview with Amma

By protecting and preserving wild and

domestic animals, trees and plants, we are
protecting and preserving Nature. The An-
cients worshipped the cow and the earth,
including them amongst the five mothers
(pancha matas). The five mothers were: deha-
mata — the biological mother, desamata —
the motherland, bhumata — Mother Earth,
vedamata — the Vedas, and gomata — the cow.
To our ancestors, the cow was not just a four
legged creature, but a sacred animal which
was worshipped as a form of the Mother (the
Goddess).

No religion can exist disassociated from

Nature. Religion is the link that binds man-
kind to Nature. Religion removes the ego in
man, enabling him to know and experience
his oneness with Nature.

Question: What caused the break in the rela-

tionship between Nature and human beings?

21
 Man and Nature

MMA: Because of his selfishness,

man today sees Nature as being
separate from himself. If a person
receives a cut or a wound, it is
certainly the awareness that both
the left and right hand are “mine” that prompts
the one to comfort the other. We don’t have
the same concern when an injury happens to
someone else, do we? This is because of the
attitude that “It is not mine”. The wall of
separation between humans and Nature is
created mainly by the selfish attitude of hu-
mans. They think that Nature has been cre-
ated only for them to use and exploit in order
to fulfill their selfish desires. This attitude
creates a wall, a separation and a distance. It
is a frightening truth that modern man has
lost his broad-mindedness as a result of the
tremendous growth of modern science. Man
has found methods to produce a hundred
tomatoes from a plant that could otherwise

22
 Interview with Amma

bear only ten fruits. He has also succeeded in

doubling their size. While it is true that due
to increased production, poverty and starva-
tion have been reduced to a certain extent,
man is not very aware of the harmful effects
caused by artificial fertilizers and pesticides,
which get into his body through the food that
he eats. But it is also a fact that such chemicals
destroy the cells of the body and make him an
easy victim of disease. The number of hospitals
have also had to increase, as scientist artifi-
cially force plants to yield fruit and seeds in
quantities which are far beyond their limits.
Science has reached unimaginable heights, but
owing to his selfishness, man has lost the clar-
ity to see the truth of things and to act with
discrimination.
It is the selfish thought of wanting more
that prompts man to use artificial fertilizers
and pesticides. It is because of his greed that he
does not care to love the plants. A balloon can
be inflated only up to a limit. After that it will
burst if you keep blowing air into it. Likewise,
a seed has a certain limit to the yield it can
give. Without taking this into account, if we
keep on trying to increase the production by
the use of artificial means, it will badly affect

23
 Man and Nature

the strength and quality of the seed. It also

does harm to those who eat it. In olden days
only water and natural manure were sufficient
for cultivation. But today the situation is dif-
ferent. Pesticides and fertilizers have become
part and parcel of farming. So much so, that
the immune systems of plants and seeds have
become very weak, and have lost their power
to fight disease. Through natural methods we
can strengthen their power to resist disease.
Religion tells us to humbly love everything
with reverence. Scientific inventions have
managed to vastly increase our production,
but at the same time, the quality of everything
has decreased.
To cage a bird
or an animal is just
like putting a hu-
man being behind
bars. Freedom is
the birth right of
every living being.
Who are we to
take that freedom
away? By inject-
ing hormones into
a hen, we try to

24
 Interview with Amma

make the size of the eggs bigger. We make

hens lay two eggs a day, by shutting them in
dark cubicles which are opened periodically,
in order to create a false impression in the hen
that one more day has passed. But by doing
so, the hen’s life span is shortened by half, and
the eggs lose all their quality. The thought of
profit has made man blind and destroyed all
his goodness and virtues. This does not mean
that we shouldn’t think about increasing pro-
duction. Not at all. The point is that there is
a limit to everything, and crossing that limit
is equal to destroying Nature.
It is high time to give serious thought to
protecting Nature. The destruction of Nature
is the same thing as the destruction of hu-
manity. Trees, animals, birds, plants, forests,
mountains, lakes and rivers — everything that
exists in Nature — are in desperate need of
our kindness, of the compassionate care and
protection of man. If we protect them, they,
in turn, will protect us.
The legendary dinosaur and many other
living species have been completely wiped out
from the face of the earth, because they could
not live in the changing climatic conditions. In
a similar manner, if man is not careful, when

25
 Man and Nature

his selfishness has reached its peak, he too will

have to succumb to the same fate.
Only through love and compassion is
the protection and preservation of Nature
possible. But both these qualities are fast di-
minishing in human beings. In order to feel
real love and compassion, one must realize
the oneness of the life force that sustains and
is the substratum of the entire universe. This
realization can only be attained through a
deep study of religion and the observance of
spiritual principles.

Question: What is the connection between

spiritual practices and the protection of Na-
ture?

26
 Interview with Amma

MMA: Everything is pervaded

by Consciousness. It is that
Consciousness which sustains
the world and all the creatures
in it. To worship everything,
seeing God in all, is what reli-
gion advises. Such an attitude
teaches us to love Nature. None
of us would consciously injure
our own body, because we
know it would be painful. Sim-
ilarly, we will feel the pain of other people to
be our own when the realization dawns
within us that everything is pervaded by one
and the same Consciousness. Compassion will
arise, and we will sincerely wish to help and
protect all. In that state, we won’t feel like
plucking even a leaf unnecessarily. We will pick
a flower only on the last day of its existence,
before it falls from the stem. We will consider
it as very harmful to the plant, and to Nature,
if the flower is plucked on its very first day
due to our greediness.
In days gone by, every house had a family
shrine room. People used to grow flowers in
the yard surrounding the house. Devoted care
would be given to the garden. The flowers

27
 Man and Nature

from those plants which were planted and

grown with loving care by the family were
offered to God during worship.
Whatever is provided by Nature, the very
source of flowers and plants, should be lov-
ingly returned to it. This is the symbolism
behind the offering of flowers to God. It also
helps to enhance our devotion to God. Wor-
ship performed with one-pointedness helps to
diminish thoughts, and this in turn will cleanse
and purify the mind.
Some years ago, the garden or surround-
ing land of each home contained a wood or a
tree grove, with a small temple. The wood or
grove contained highly medicinal trees such
as the banyan, fig, and bilva (wood apple).
The shrine and the wood was the common
worship place of the entire family. At dusk the
family used to gather at the shrine to chant the
divine Names
and offer their
prayers in front
of lighted oil
lamps. Modern
science has re-
cently discov-
ered that music

28
 Interview with Amma

will enhance the healthy growth of plants and

trees. Besides the bliss that devotional singing
gives to all creatures, if it is done with love,
it bestows purity and peace to our minds.
The wind that filters through the leaves of
medicinal trees and plants is also good for our
health. The smoke from both the oil-soaked
wick burning in the brass lamp and the pure
bee wax candle will kill the germs in the at-
mosphere. But over and above all, prayers
done with concentration will restore the lost
harmony of Nature.

If an ordinary person can be compared

to an electric lamp, a real sadhak (spiritual
aspirant) can be compared to a transformer.
By making the mind still and conserving
energy, which otherwise would be dissipated
through overindulgence and pleasure seek-
ing, the sadhak awakens the infinite source of
power within him. Having no likes or dislikes
himself, even his breath becomes beneficial to

29
 Man and Nature

Nature. Just as water is purified by a filter, the

prana (vital force) of the tapasvi (ascetic) is a
filter which purifies Nature. Ayurvedic physi-
cians will use a certain natural stone to purify
the oil that has been boiled with medicinal
herbs, in the preparation of some remedies.
Likewise, the tapasvi’s pure vital energy can
purify Nature by correcting the imbalances
created by man.
Looking at Nature and observing its self-
less way of giving, we can become aware of
our own limitations. That will help to develop
devotion and self-surrender to God. Thus,
Nature helps us to become closer to God and
teaches us to truly worship Him. In reality,
Nature is nothing but God’s visible form
which we can behold and experience through
our senses. Indeed, by loving and serving Na-
ture, we are worshipping God Himself.
Just as Nature creates the favorable cir-
cumstances for a coconut to become a coconut
tree, and for a seed to transform itself into a
huge fruit tree, Nature creates the necessary

30
 Interview with Amma

circumstances through which the individual

soul can reach the Supreme Being and merge
in eternal union with Him.
A sincere Truth seeker, or a true believer,
cannot harm Nature because he or she sees
Nature as God — he doesn’t experience Na-
ture as being separate from himself. He is the
real lover of Nature.
Mother would say that a real scientist
should be a real lover — a lover of mankind,
a lover of all creation and a lover of life.

Question: How serious is the environmental

problem?

MMA: In days gone by, there was

a fixed time for everything. It was
the practice to do cultivation dur-
ing a certain month or season, and
a particular month was fixed for
harvesting. There were no deep
tube wells in those days. The farmers de-
pended solely on the water and sunshine
which was graciously bestowed by Nature.
The people lived in harmony with Nature.
They never tried to challenge Nature. Nature
was therefore always helpful to man. Nature

31
 Man and Nature

was his friend. People were completely confi-

dent that it would rain if the seeds were sown
during a particular time of the month. They
also knew the exact time when the crop would
be ready for harvest. Everything went smooth-
ly. Nature bestowed both rain and sunshine at
the right time, without fail. Excessive or un-
timely rain never destroyed the crops, nor was
there any excess or lack of sunshine. Every-
thing was balanced. Human beings never tried
to act against the laws of Nature. Mutual
understanding, faith, love, compassion and
cooperation existed among people. They loved

and worshipped Nature, and in return Nature

blessed them with an abundance of natural
wealth. Such an attitude alone will help to
uplift society as a whole. But things have
changed.
Scientific inventions are highly beneficial.
But they should not be against Nature. The
constant harm done by human beings has

32
 Interview with Amma

destroyed Nature’s patience. She has begun

to retaliate. Natural calamities are greatly in-
creasing. Nature has commenced Her dance
of final dissolution. She has lost Her balance
owing to the unrighteous actions perpetrated
against Her by humans. This is the main cause
of all the suffering that human beings are un-
dergoing during this present age.
The scientist who is inventive and who
experiments may have love within him. But
that love is limited to a narrow channel. It is
directed only to the scientific field in which
he works. It doesn’t embrace all creation. He
is more or less bound to the laboratory where
he sits, or to the scientific equipment which
he uses. He does not think of real life. He is
more interested in finding out whether there
is life on the moon or on Mars. He is more
interested in inventing nuclear armaments.
A scientist may claim he is trying to find
the truth of the empirical world through
an analytic approach. He dissects things in
order to analyze how they function. If he is
given a kitten, he is more interested in using
the animal for research than in loving it as
a pet. He will measure its rate of breathing,
its pulse and blood pressure. In the name of

33
Man and Nature

science and the search

for truth, he will dis-
sect the animal and
examine its organs.
Once the kitten has
been cut open, it is
dead. Life disappears
and any possibility
for love is gone. Only
if there is life is there
love. In his search for
the truth of life, the
scientist unwittingly
destroys life itself.
Strange!
A rishi is a real
lover because he has
dived into his own
Self, the very core
of life and love. He
experiences life and
love everywhere —
a b o v e , b e l o w, i n
front, behind — in
all direction. Even
in hell, even in the
nether world, he sees

34
 Interview with Amma

nothing but life and love. For him there is

nothing but life and love shining forth with
splendor and glory from all directions. There-
fore, Mother would say he is ‘a real scientist’.
He experiments in the inner laboratory of his
own being. He never creates division in life.
For him life is one whole. He always dwells in
that undivided state of love and life.
The real scientist, the sage, lovingly em-
braces life and becomes one with it. He never
tries to fight with life. While the scientist tries
to fight and conquer life, the sage simply sur-
renders to life and lets it carry him wherever
it may.
Man has turned against Nature. Man no
longer cares about Nature. He is more inter-
ested in exploring and experimenting. He is
trying to break all bounds. But he does not
know that by doing so, he is paving the way
for his own destruction. It is like lying on one’s
back and spitting up. The spittle will fall on
one’s own face.
Today, in addition to the exploitation of
Nature, humans are also polluting her. There
was a time when cow dung was used as a dis-
infectant in India, when children were given
their vaccinations. But now, a wound would

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 Man and Nature

become septic and the person would die if cow

dung were to be applied. The substance that
used to be a medicine that healed the wound
has now turned into something that causes
infection. So much poison must have gone
into the cow dung through the grass, hay and
oil cakes with which we feed the cows.

Now there is no longer any rain when it

is supposed to rain. If it does rain, there is
either too little or too much, and it comes
too early or too late. It is the same with
sunshine. Nowadays humans are trying to

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 Interview with Amma

exploit Nature. This is why there are floods,

droughts and earthquakes, and everything is
being destroyed.
There is a tremendous decline in the qual-
ity of life. Many people have lost faith. They
do not feel any love and compassion, and
the team spirit of working together, hand in
hand, for the good of all, has been lost. This
will have a bad effect on Nature. Nature will
withdraw all her blessings and turn against
man. Unimaginable will be Nature’s reaction
if man continues like this.
There is a story about a couple who had
a liquor shop. The husband always told his
wife, “Pray to God that He will bring us
more customers.” The wife sincerely obeyed
her husband’s words. One day, one of their
customers noticed that she was praying, and
said to her, “Please pray for me also, so that I
will get more work”. What is your job?” asked
the wife. “I am a coffin maker,” said the man.
This is the present state of the world. It
has become a world in which people are only
concerned about their own interests.

Question: Are human beings becoming a threat

to the very existence of life on earth?

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 Man and Nature

MMA: When Nature graciously

protects and serves human beings, it
is, without question, their responsi-
bility to return that protection and
service to Nature. Modern scien0ce
says that trees and plants can respond
in an imperceptible way to the thoughts and
actions of human beings. Science has discov-
ered that plants tremble with fear when we go
near them with the intention of plucking their
leaves. But ages ago, the saints and sages of
India, having understood this great truth,
lived a life of complete harmlessness.
There is a story in the Hindu scriptures,
called Sakunthalam, which demonstrates this
point. Once a sage found an abandoned child
in a forest. He brought the child to his her-
mitage and raised her there as his own. When

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 Interview with Amma

she grew up, the sage entrusted her with the

job of looking after the plants and domestic
animals of the hermitage. She loved the plants
and animals as much as her own life. One day
when the sage was away, the king who ruled
that country saw this beautiful girl, while
riding through the forest during a hunting
expedition. He fell in love with her and desired
to marry her. On his return, the sage came to
know about it and gladly consented to the
king’s wish. After the marriage ceremony, the
girl was about to leave the hermitage for the
king’s palace. At that time the jasmine plant
which she had always loved and carefully
tended bent down and coiled softly around
her ankles. The animals shed tears when she
left. This illustrates how plants, trees and all
of Nature will return our love if we really care
about them.

Question: Is it necessary to give more impor-

tance to human needs than to Nature?

MMA: Nature gives all her wealth

to human beings. Just as Nature is
dedicated to helping us, we too
should be dedicated to helping

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 Man and Nature

Nature. Only then can the harmony between

Nature and human beings be preserved. To
pluck ten leaves, when only five leaves are suf-
ficient, is a sin. Suppose two potatoes are
enough to cook a dish. If you take a third
potato, you are acting indiscriminately — you
are committing an adhar­mic (unrighteous) act.
Using Nature for our needs cannot be
considered wrong. But exploitation changes
the whole set of circumstances. This makes our
action an unrighteous one. First of all, we are
unnecessarily destroying the life of the extra
plant, animal or whatever it is that we exploit.
Secondly, we deny it for someone else’s use.
Someone else could have used it, perhaps our
neighbor who does not have anything to eat.
Thus, when we exploit Nature, we are exploit-
ing others. It is certainly a necessity to have a
house to protect us from the rain and the sun.
But we should not build a house in order to
make a show of our wealth and luxurious life
style. Cutting down enough trees to build a
house cannot be considered to be unrighteous.
An act becomes unrighteous or sinful when
we perform it indiscriminately, without any
alertness. Spending lavishly without thinking
of God, the Great Giver, or the others who

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 Interview with Amma

would be benefited by the extra money — that

is unrighteousness.

Question: What are the steps that can be taken

in societyto prevent the destruction of Nature
and animals?

MMA: It is certainly high time to

take stern steps to prevent man
from destroying Nature and the
resources which she kindly bestows
on us, as a gift or reward for the
good actions we perform. The implementa-
tion of strict rules would be beneficial; but
there is a need for people who are prepared to
obey and execute such rules. Nowadays, those
who are supposed to observe the rules are the
first to break them. Societies should be formed
in each and every village, in order to create an
awareness of the significance of protecting and
preserving Nature. Mere intellectual under-
standing is not enough. People should be
taught to function from their hearts. The
teachers and counselors of these societies
should have the ability to encourage people
to love Nature, to feel compassion for all of
Creation and its creatures. The teachers and

41
 Man and Nature

counselors themselves should be highly com-

petent and efficient people, who can inspire
others to do whatever they are taught. Only
then will there be any benefit. The support of
religion and spiritual principles will greatly
help to achieve this goal.
A major cause of pollution in the atmo-
sphere is the toxic smoke which emanates
from huge machines in factories and other
industries. This affects the healthy growth of
plants and trees. The toxins produced from
such places also badly damage the health of
humans. Necessary steps should be taken to
protect and preserve the trees and plants,
which grow in the areas surrounding the fac-
tories and other industrial sites. In fact, it is
these trees and plants which, to a great extent,
cleanse and purify the polluted atmosphere
of such places. But for the existence of these
plants, the situation would be much worse.
The initiative to preserve the natural surround-
ings should come from the entrepreneurs and
employees of such companies.
A government alone cannot do anything
without the sincere and wholehearted coop-
eration of the people. For this to happen,
it should be a government which works in

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 Interview with Amma

accordance with the will and wishes of the

people who love Nature. This again demands
support from political leaders and government
officials. They should not just be a group of
people who are craving money and position.
Their aim should be the upliftment of the
country and its people. A great deal will be
achieved if they are people endowed with a
selfless and universal outlook in their judg-
ment.

Question: Are the forests an indispensable part

of the earth?

MMA: Yes, very much so. Science

is yet to understand the various
benefits that the forests bestow on
Nature. The Forests are part and
parcel of the life on this planet.
They are indispensable. They purify and pre-
vent the overheating of the atmosphere, they
keep the soil moist, they protect and preserve
wildlife, etc.
In order to meet the necessities of life, it
is not wrong to cut down trees and collect
medicinal plants from the forests. But do
not exploit and destroy the precious forests.

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 Man and Nature

Nature knows how to protect and take care of

herself. At present we are exploiting Nature in
the name of protection and preservation. Birds
and animals live happily in the forest. Man
alone is their greatest enemy. By destroying
Nature, man has become his own enemy. He
knows not that he is digging his own grave
when he brings down his axe on the foot of
a tree.

Question: Is it advisable to approach spiritual

masters without trying to solve the current
problems ourselves?

MMA: Experts can help you sort

out many of the problems that you
confront in your professional life.
There is no doubt about it. But
only God’s power can make any-
thing actually happen. In order for anything
to happen, Grace is needed. Human effort,
which is a product of the intellect, can only
take us up to a certain point which it cannot
cross. Beyond that point lies the realm of
God’s Grace. The fruition of our actions will
not come to pass unless we manage to tap into
that realm, which is beyond human reach. The

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 Interview with Amma

best way to tap into that energy is by seeking

the advice and blessings of a genuine spiritual
Master. Such a great soul is the very source of
that Realm beyond. He or she is an inexhaust-
ible source of power, the very embodiment of
God’s power and Grace. Experts can help, but
cannot bless and bestow Grace. Even an ex-
pert’s help may fail to bring about the right
fruit, but a real spiritual Master’s words and
blessings will never fail.
Never look back and grieve. Look forward
and smile. We should perform our actions
with utmost faith and alertness, but with a
sense of detachment. This is what the spiritual
masters teach us. What is the use of feeling sad
if a plant that we have grown withers away?
Plant another one without brooding over
the lost one. By brooding over the past, man
becomes feeble-minded. This will cause the
dissipation of all his energies.
A Master’s mind is not like ours which
runs only after the pleasures of the world. It is
like a tree which gives shade and sweet fruits,
even to those who cut it asunder. Although
the sage burns away his life in selfless actions,
like an incense stick which gives its fragrance
to others at the cost of its own existence, he

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 Interview with Amma

feels immense happiness in spreading love and

peace to all of society. Only such a person can
lead us, who are full of ego and attachment,
along the path of righteousness. Such sages
are not meant for only one individual, class,
creed or sect. They are meant for the whole
world, for the entire human race.

Amritapuri, May 1994

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