Earth-1-ma
Earth (1)
Introduction:
All the five elements are the divine entities of God. Hence our ancestors always worshipped them as God. We worship earth as Bhu-devi or Dhartimata. We should try to keep this earth element always purified by controlling our requirements and by engaging ourselves in good deeds.
Attributes:
Earth has five attributes viz; sound, touch, form, taste and smell. Earth gives us energy and food. Our life flourishes only because of earth. It teaches us forbearance and broad mindedness. All the light and heavy vehicles move over it. We dig and plough over it and give it all the troubles and injuries, but it bears all this very peacefully; in return it gives us food and other necessities of life like wood, coal, minerals, etc.,
Story:
A French boy loved birds, especially the Lau bird, which had melodious voice. French people like to eat the meat of this bird. One day, this boy heard the voice of Lau bird. He saw around and found the bird in a cage by a man who wanted to sell the bird. The boy knew that whosoever bought the bird would kill and eat its meat. Lau looked at the boy as if it was asking for help.
The boy asked the man for the price. He searched his pocket and found that there was not enough money. He told the man, “Dear old man, take whatever money I have but give me this bird”.
It was quite hot. He ran to his house but found that his mother was not there. He feared that somebody may buy the bird and eat it. He then ran to his teacher for the balance money. The teacher immediately gave him the balance money. The boy ran back when he saw that a woman was bargaining for the bird.
The boy paid the price and was happy that he could save the bird so dear to him. He at once looked at the bird that was also looking anxiously at him. He patted Lau. Lau also thanked him with his loving voice. The boy took the cage to a lonely place and opened the same. With thankful and loving look the bird flew into the space above. Who can imagine the pleasure which the boy got?
Quotations:
We should have the mental attitude as per the Atharva Veda saying as follows –
(Earth is my mother; I am the son of Earth)
In order to emphasize, the same thing is uttered twice. If we utter this and have this attitude we shall definitely try to conserve Mother earth and keep it neat and clean.
Silent Sitting:
Take the children to the countryside and let them sit silently along the field. Let them think and enjoy as follows:
- Trees and hedges are all around, shining sun above and gentle breeze blowing.
- Field is being ploughed by tractor, water flowing from a tube-well.
- On the other side, we see corn in the field, from corn comes flour which is kneaded into bread and other foods.
- Everything we need to live is around us. We can take as per our need. There is no need to hoard.
- This is just like a golden field of love for everybody. Birds and animals are enjoying in the free atmosphere.