Ecology is a branch of natural sciences that deals with organisms and their relationship to each other as well as their surroundings. Yoga is a science and a practice that allows us to be more in tune with ourselves and our surroundings in a harmonious manner. #SaveSoil
Prakriti is nature and Earth is a vital component of our existence. The Earth or soil is a living entity. Earth, one of the Pancha Bhutas or five elements plays a vital role in our existence and survival. Though other elements – water, wind, fire, and space are important, our body and planet Earth is composed of mass or Earth. Fruits, vegetables, grains, etc., which we eat grow on Earth and we literally consume Earth to maintain our system. From the Yoga perspective, we are part of the earth; whatever we consume from the Earth turns into fuel for the system. Therefore, preserving our habitat is akin to preserving ourselves. Also, being aware that the food we take in is literally giving up its life to become us and sustain the life in us should generate profound reverence toward willingness of that other life.
Historically, ecological principles as we know them today are embedded within Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashta-anga Yoga or the eight-limbed path. For example, the first two steps – Yama and Niyama stress discipline towards ourselves and others, and this discipline includes concepts that are relevant to ecology. Contentment, non-coveting, regulating greed, and showing reverence to the larger existence can be applied to ecology to build conversations about conservation. Let’s examine some of the environmental issues which we fact today due to our disconnect with the larger existence.
The well-being of the soil, or the Earth, is intricately connected to various factors such as water content and biodiversity within the ecosystem. These factors intersect with broader issues like climate change and human-related challenges, including migration due to scarcity and conflicts. When soil lacks organic matter, it essentially transforms into sandy terrain.
When soil becomes inefficient at absorbing and regulating water flow, it can result in dire consequences such as water scarcity, as well as natural disasters like droughts, erratic rainfall, and floods. It becomes imperative to prioritize conservation efforts, as organic matter possesses the ability to retain its weight in water and release it gradually over an extended period. This characteristic proves particularly advantageous in dry regions. The poor health of soil corresponds to a diminished nutritional value, which continues to affect human beings by causing nutritional deficiencies and eventual diseases. Moreover, the lack of nutrients in the soil leads to a decline in biodiversity, as life forms struggle to survive without adequate soil regeneration. Land degradation brings about devastating effects not only in terms of food and nutrition for animals and humans but also in relation to economic sustainability. Farmers worldwide have experienced the truth of this matter, with many abandoning their professions or resorting to less desirable alternatives. Also, a densely populated area unable to meet the demands for food and water will inevitably face conflicts and experience significant migrations, impacting everyone on the planet. The consequences of such circumstances extend far beyond individual regions, affecting global stability, security and well-being.
For us to live in harmony with nature we could examine our attitudes toward political issues such as the environment and climate change. Are our behaviors in congruence with ecology, harmony, and Yoga? Above mentioned factors along with rapid deforestation, contamination of land and water due to industrial waste, and disposal of other harmful pollutants lead to scientific challenges and general disharmony. Yogic principles of preservation, and discipline towards the Earth – planting trees, agroforestry, use of solar and wind power, preventing desertification, being mindful about plastic use, awareness about carbon footprint, conserving soil, etc., highlight our interconnectedness with our planet. i.e. We are the planet.
It seems that Yoga is driven by consumerism and capitalism given the excessive focus on business and economic aspects of the practice. However, the natural connection between Yoga and the environment is still at the core of Yoga and therefore highly relevant in present times. Most Yoga asanas’ names are derived from nature. Vrikshasana (tree pose), Matsyendrasana (fish pose), Parvatasana (mountain pose), Ustrasana (camel pose), and Baddhakonasana (butterfly pose). This is not by accident; nature and ecology are essential to Yoga as a seeker’s aim is to transcend Beyond.
Yoga Ecology is a budding movement that focuses on elevating our consciousness toward our surroundings. The Pancha Bhutas and the forces of nature are not some obscure concepts; they affect us in daily life. They very much influence our internal and external environment. Thus, it’s important to understand the cosmic relevance of nature and its influence on our day-to-day life thereby building a genuine affection for our surroundings and Mother Nature.
Protection and preservation as well as reverence towards ecology is essentially Yoga. As nations begin to face issues regarding land irrigation and water shortages, we might see a surge of change in environmental policies from around the world. Realizing intellectually and spiritually that we are one big existence and that it is impossible to exist as an individual, awareness will arise around conversations regarding conservation. We might see more special issues and journal articles on the connections between ancient practices and ways of life and the importance of conservation and sustainability.
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