Gurbani on Nature

The Sikh gurus were always concerned about protecting the environment and entire biosphere. Guru Nanak saw the world as a temple where praises of the All- Powerful are sung. Various metaphors, analogies and images are used in the Gurbani to explain the relationship between the environment and man. In his composition 'Barah Mah', Twelve Months, Guru Nanak Dev talks about the 12 months, lunar and solar days, and the effects of their transition on various species. The 'interaction of timeless with time' takes place within them. Guru Nanak considers months, seasons, lunar and solar days, hours, minutes and seconds to be 'bhale', blessed.

The Bani of Guru Nanak Dev refers to about 474 species of plants and animals. His hymns reflect a naturalist's understanding of the subject. In one of his shabads, the Guru says, Paun guru pani pit jata - that air, the basis for man's physical survival, is like a guru, water is like the father, and earth is like the mother for all creatures. God, the creator, has given us the air, water, land and day for sustenance. As we take care of our parents, so too we should for nature.

In another shabad, the Guru says, Tarvar pankhi baho nis bas - just as birds rest on a tree, every living being has a limited life on earth. The way birds fly for sustenance is the same way humans go to earn their living.