NATURE, THE TRUE PRECEPTOR

NATURE, THE TRUE PRECEPTOR

                                   ___ A P ANAND

          There is a stamp of manifestation and glory of the Supreme Lord in

each and every speck but only the analytical mind can observe and realize it.

The Mother Earth is sustained by men who are desirous to learn from it and

serve the mankind.

          This small treatise will throw some light as to what we have learnt and

derived benefits by tapping potentials to maximum extent the abundant

marvels of Mother Nature ( reservoir of power and energy originating from

God ) through blessings of the Lord depicted in picturesque panorama,

splendour and wonderful life for our enjoyment in the right direction and to

rejuvenate our body and mind. This is an advanced era of science and

technology and we still strive to explore and learn more and more for our

knowledge, advancement and betterment.

          Our period of longevity has increased due to availability of nutritious

and pure food, clean and pure water, research in medicine and eradication of

diseases making our life comparatively less painful and more comfortable.

Contrary to the above, man has also, instead of deriving benefits and

learning usefulness, exploited the nature for his own destruction due to his

illicit and lustful urges. We have now started cloning of animals and human

beings, mostly, for unlawful and destructive purposes. It is another perils of

man playing God. It is a folly on his part. God’s grace is without any

discrimination, equally for the rich and poor, high and low and is available

free, 24 hours a day.

          From the time immemorial man, who is blessed with intellect, is

applying his brain for his comforts. He has developed a frictionless wheel

used in bullock carts, cycles, cars and other motorized vehicles for transport

or carrying loads learning from his own fast walking or running by using

spokes in the wheels in place of legs. He has produced steam engine by

using coal, water and other fuels, produced electricity from coal, water, wind

and uranium (nuclear fuel) etc., all blessed by Almighty to him. He has

equally derived benefits in various forms from sun, its solar heat and energy.

The navigators have used stars as guides. Man has cleverly studied the

function of his eyes for the development of camera which is now even being

used for the observation and treatment of certain ailments in our body

without performing operation. Due to the dithering hands of the surgeon

while performing micro-surgery which requires steady hands, we have

developed robots to perform this fine job and also for doing other

complicated and harmful jobs successfully, with the help of remote control

where man’s hands have failed or not achieved perfect result. Camera is

used even in the military operation for night vision of the objects in pitch

darkness.

          The spider’s web has taught us the art of knitting/ weaving or warp

and weft and how to keep our relationship interwoven. Also the spiders

ultimately eat away their own web, In the same way God creates many

things and finally extinguishes them to generate new ones. The Cocoons

breeding on mulberry plant have provided us silk for our use. It is not out of

place to mention here that we have learnt weaving unshrinkable and wrinkle-

free fabrics from the hair of hogs, buffalo and kangaroo. We have also learnt

the art of weaving from the bird called Baya Weaver which weaves nests

with the help of fine straws, on the branches of the trees. Our research on

birds and animals has helped us a lot in medical field. The microbes have

helped us in making healthy curds etc. Curd is good for our digestive

system, is a rich source of calcium and is helpful against osteoporosis. The

style of man’s standing in straddle has helped him to learn the art of straddle

dance with bamboos and poles, constructing the ‘Y’ shaped pillars (stilts of

the buildings and fly-overs etc. In this way the stilts take extra load, are

structurally sound and quake resistant. Man is now using computers for

various purposes at the fastest speed by studying his own brain made of very

intricate nature. Computer is a wonder of the present age rendering us many

services in many fields.

         

Nature has blessed us with many seasons which balance the ecological

system, upbeat our mood and we celebrate many seasonal festivals with

thrill and reverberation. Different seasons provide us different flowers,

fruits, vegetables and wood etc. and we also sow the seeds commensurating

with their seasonal growth. Nature has also provided us vegetables, fruits,

flowers and nuts etc. according to their seasons and our requirement. In the

summer season we get juicy and watery fruits and vegetables to meet our

dire needs and to quench our thirst. The secretion of pheromones by the

birds/ animals and human beings for sexual attraction/ coition during

particular seasons, especially rainy season, when their mood is upbeat.

Pheromones have led us to the development of scent and perfumery

industry.

          Even the ants have taught us discipline through which they work

forming queue and their hard work for finding food using poking and

prodding technique and for storage of food for the rainy day, in pairs. From

the ants we have also learnt that we should not lose heart even if we fail

several times in our efforts to achieve the goal as the success is sure in the

long run. The ants leave repellant pheromone when their effort for food

search is useless. The example of Abraham Lincoln, ex-President of United

States of America, is before us who at the age of 52 years became President

after facing many hurdles and failures in life at every step but never lost

hope. Besides, ants are soil turners like earth worms making the soil fertile.

They help in recycling nutrients in the eco-system and are dispersers of

seeds. They are famous for unity and hard work and are thus referred in

traffic management. Some use dry ants in curry as these are good source of

protein. Also we have learnt the technique of leadership from birds, fish,

bees and ants. We should not forget that stings of honey-bee give us relief

from severe pains. Ants can also discriminate between sweet and salt and we

have also learnt from them how to discern between likes and dislikes, good

and bad, right and wrong etc. and also the art of scurrying while doing

urgent jobs. The droves of birds and animals have taught us how to live in

family for our unity and safety as union is strength. Also domestic birds and

animals are good friends of man.

The scorpions, snakes, birds, dogs, whale fish who sense and detect

early onset of earth-quakes have helped us in warning and alarming us early

for the coming calamity and timely saving our precious lives and property.

          We have also misused our knowledge gained from our research in

poisonous biting effects of certain species of animals etc. like snake,

scorpion, mouse, dog, honey-bee, ant, bulldog ant from Australia, hedge

hog, lizard and mosquitoes etc. and by uses of poisonous gases that cause

blisters and vomiting, like nerve gas, mustard gas and sarin gas with

suffocating effect and CN- a riot control gas, Ricin powder spreading

Anthrax like deadly virus ; for the production of weapons

spreading toxins from these species for the decimation of life on earth by

spreading all sorts of incurable diseases, including germ and radiation

spreading diseases.

         Though bites of some snakes are fatal but the venom extracted from

their fangs is very useful in treating the patient with its vaccine if it is timely

administered. Snake is also a symbol of ego but becomes necklace of Lord

Shiva. In countries like Hanoi and Vietnam etc. snake’s meat and blood and

wine are offered in restaurants. Snakes can also cure variety of problems like

farsightedness, loss of hair and increases sexual performance. The venom

                                                                                                      7/-

relieves the pain of arthritis. Its cream can ease the aching joints. In China

the snake is provoked and tortured to make its blood warm which is drunk as

it is believed to increase vigour and sexual power. Venom extracted from the

 scorpions is used for treating our nervous system and epilepsy.

          Lion is very strong, aggressive, courageous and piercing wild animal

and we have learnt from it the art of hunting. It does not take help from

anyone for hunting. We have learnt from it to be of self help. Lioness is

equally very strong, stead-fast and a good hunter. We have learnt loving our

own children in a tender way from it as though being fiercely animal it treats

and lifts her cubs hither and thither very carefully, lovingly, gently and

feebly due to ‘moha’ (attachment) . Kangaroos save and protect their

youngones very carefully in their body pouches. In the same way we protect

our children when in danger. Besides, even if the mother of a human being is

in complete rage, she strikes/ slaps her child extremely politely to punish

him/ her by brandishing hard held hands in a sham very close to child’s

cheeks in a farce way in the spirit of attachment. Also the lions leave their

pug marks and other body smells for their fellow beasts, to know their               

 presence in the vicinity. These smells also attract the opposite sexes and this

way they mark their own restricted area of domination. Besides, the lioness

takes care of cubs whose mother is dead and allows them to suckle her own

breast. This way we also learn to take care of helpless and orphan children.

Leopard lives alongwith tigers and lions. It can climb the tree and high

walls. It has good running speed. Man has learnt both the running and

climbing techniques from it. Leopard has an acute sense of sight and

hearing. Tiger’s all body parts are of high value being used by man and thus

this beast is becoming extinct. Chittals or spotted deer always move in herds

and live along grassy lands and shaded streams like man does for his

survival close to fertile land and rivers for water requirements. Every part of

the tiger from tail to whiskers has a market. Tiger bones are widely used in

the preparation of traditional Asian medicines. China is the manufacturing

hub for medicines made from tiger derivatives, the reason why poaching of

tigers has brought it to the brink of extinction. The tail of tiger is mixed with

soap and is used for curing skin disease. Its penis soup is used in love

potions. Gallstones cure abcesses and weak eye sight. Stomach noodles

garnished with tiger liver are quite a delicacy. In pill form , it cures upset

stomachs. Its biles are used to treat convulsions in children. Bones

(powdered or prepared as tiger wine) are used to soothe rheumatic pain and

cure ulcers. Tiger’s carcasses are dumped in huge vats of rice wine and left

 

to rot for upto nine years. The Chinese believe that the tiger’s strength

                                                                                             

passes into the wine as its body decomposes. Testes are used to treat lymph

node TB. Skin is used for making garments and it also treats mental illness.

Burnt hair drive away centipedes, brain drives away acne and laziness, eyes

                                                                                                          

are used to treat epilepsy, malaria, cataract and fever in children. Nose

leather is used to treat superficial wounds such as bites, suspended over the

bed, it is believed to increase chances of having a boy. Teeth are used in the

treatment of rabies, asthma and sores on the penis. Whiskers are usually kept

as a good luck charm and reduce tooth ache. Claws are a talisman to ward

off evil, usually set in silver or gold and prized as wrist and neck jewellery.

Flesh improves vitality and is a tonic for stomach and spleen. Fat is used to

treat every thing from vomiting, dog bites to haemorrhoids. Blood

strengthens the constitution and boosts will power.

          Monkey is very thrifty and vigilant animal and knows all sorts of

antics, tacts and acrobatism. We have learnt all the arts from it and that is

why tricky job is called monkey-business. Guerilla is very wise and expert in

warfare and the reason why our Guerilla Units in army are named after it

and we have learnt how to wage war independently and tactfully in small

groups. Another animal, Jaguar, of the same clan is carnivorous (flesh

eating) and quadruped. We have named an aeroplane after its name I,e

                                                                                                 

Jaguar which is widely used in wars for its qualities of antics, manoeuvring

and endurance. Chimpanzee is smarter, active and intelligent than human

beings. We have learnt a lot from them including love and care of young

                                                                                                                     

ones. Chinkara can survive without water for a long time even in a desert.

Man has learnt that he, too, can live without water when need arises by

keeping his body temperature cool.          

                Elephant, though vegetarian, is very powerful and libidinous

      (lustful) wild animal. It is the largest mammal on earth and is very wise.

It can pick-up even a small peanut with its trunk. Its trunk acts as a suction

pump which has taught us to invent suction pump with the help of its

technique and its flappers, near ears, have taught us to make our own cloth-

flappers for cooling our bodies. It can be tamed but very carefully. Man has

used and misused its tricky nature in the circus as it can even dance to the

tunes of its keeper. We have learnt a lot from this animal. Elephants are

social species and lead family life like us. Man has craving for their costly

tusks, slowly causing its extinction. The Hindus consider it as a mascot

animal. Strangely, even a small ant when enters the ears of an elephant can

cause the death of such a huge and mighty animal which is enough to teach

us the annihilation of our own ego. Elephants are very sensitive and easily

get warning signals when some danger is expected.

                                                                                                       

          Wolf is very clever and good hunting animal and its way of wailing is

very famous. We have learnt the tactful way of its hunting. Fox is extremely

cunning, tricky and a good running animal. It has strong sense of smell and

                                                                                                                          

has very sensitive ears which help it for catching the prey at slightest sound.

It can dodge its prey with its cunning act of camouflage in the bushes. We

have learnt from its secretive and cunning tricks especially for military

operations against our enemy. In the same way chameleon changes its colour

according to the surrounding environment and to decept its prey to attack it.

It has wonderful quality and skill to turn eyes in any direction and is thus

vigilant to catch its prey suddenly. It is worth mentioning here that a

creature, Gecko, which is 4-14 inches in length and looks like a lizard have

padded soles of feet which stick to any surface, even glass, and to release its

grip this creature tilts the spatulae under feet to break free of the surface. We

have learnt from it the art of making dry adhesive. Similarly, we have learnt

for making wet protein glue from the mussels. It produces protein from the

end of its feet. Protein hardens in 1-5 minutes after which it pulls away its

foot leaving a strand of glue which adheres to stick under water surfaces.

The female Geckos are capable of reproducing without copulating. That is

why this creature spreads to new places. Gecko’s adhesive is widely used in

commercial establishments, Defence and aerospace.

           The web-clawed animals and birds have taught us to develop

area at the base of walking sticks (walking tripods) required especially for

the sick, infirm and handicapped persons. We have also learnt migrating

from place to place for our livelihood and also going on pilgrimage from

migrating birds and animals. Cranes and Pelicans are migratory birds which

go to the banks of rivers and wet-lands in flocks in winter season. We do not

lament when our children migrate elsewhere for the good. The tricks

adopted by many animals have taught us the art of hunting and the martial

art. The sheep, goat and many other animals have provided us with wool.

meat and hides. The pig is commonly known as a true scavenger.

Unfortunately, this animal is killed in a very brutal way by chasing and

torturing. Its meat is normally eaten and relished in almost all the countries.

Hungary is famous for liking not only its flesh but blood also. Blood is used

in cooking scrambled eggs. It is also widely used in Taipei and Britain while

preparing puddings and cake. The dog (vehicle of Bhairav) is very friendly,

vigilant, faithful and agile animal like a panther. It helps us in chasing,

watching and detecting many crimes by using them as sniffer dogs. It is very

grateful animal as it is contented with whatever it gets and is ever ready to

help the owner in the hour of need even risking its own life. It has proved to

be a very good guide also. It is a good scavenger also which eats up the dead

animals. Horse is equally extremely helpful and faithful animal. It is used for

our rides and in transportation of goods. Horses use catapult like properties

in the biceps of their legs for running. The power derived from this animal is

used to indicate the power called “Horse Power” of machinery which is safe

and reliable. One Horse Power equals 550 ft-lbs per second as calculated by

James Watt, a Scottish engineer in 1769. Like these animals we should be

faithful and thankful to our Grand Master and Creator and never forget His

grace. The horse having strong common sense, the term “horse sense” is

connected to it. Unfortunately, an act of bargaining is termed as “horse

trading”. In the same way we have learnt devotion and faithfulness from a

camel which fulfils our transport need even in the sizzling heat of a desert. It

is truly called an aeroplane of the desert. The bull is a good fighter and helps

us in farming. The cow is very holy animal to the Hindus and is equated

with a mother as it not only gives us nutritious milk but its every product

and bye-product is useful to us. We should not forget the contribution of a

small creature, squirrel, which helped in the construction of a causeway for

Sri Rama and his army to cross over the sea to Sri Lanka. It is believed that

squirrel hides its nuts in different places in the woods. In the same way the

prudent investor should diversify investments to minimize risks.

          Man has learnt from birds the art of flying in the air and development

of an aeroplane, kite and gliders etc. While walking we move our arms back

and forth (undulate) to walk ahead as we have learnt this principle from fish

and birds. Even aeroplanes and rockets soar in the sky with backward thrust

and also the catapult under the same principle or the famous third law of

motion of Sir Issac Newton that to every action, there is an equal and

opposite reaction. Also for soaring high in the sky the thread of the kite is

given backward jerk. We row the boats by pushing the water backward with

the help of oars under the same principle learnt from birds. The birds and

animals have taught us the art of signaling and alarming our fellowmen

when in danger. Also the birds and animals have taught us to live together of

the same community or tribe in groups for our safety and survival. Flying of

the birds in formation allows them to keep one another in view and respond

quickly when the bird in front changes direction, speed or attitude. It is also

believed that the birds’ beaks act as sensors due to which they are not lost.

Appearance of some birds like pied-crested cuckoo and pea fowl etc. in the

sky indicates onset of monsoon and also presence of vegetation. Chatak or

Cataka bird is seen mostly in N. India during the rainy season (June-Aug,) .

It awaits patiently for the onset of rainy season and never takes even a drop

of water from any other source except the one brought down to it by the first

cloud-burst even if it has to die. This bird is true lover of cloud and it is so

eager to have the first drop that it goes on chirping “Piyu-Piyu” till it

achieves its object of receiving the first drop. After the rainy season either it

dies or flies away to Africa. It looks like ‘Maina’ but has a white spot on its

body. It is a symbol of great patience, endurance and determination. It is

considered as a mascot if it passes by the left side of a person.               

          The pigeons (safe average flying speed of 60 miles per hour) and dove

have helped us in our communication system and are the symbol of love,

peace and friendship. We have learnt singing from a small bird, Canary,

Robin and Cuckoo. We have learnt the art of concentration and patience

from Heron or Crane which suddenly pounces upon the fish at the banks of

rivers etc. in a very tactful manner. We have learnt dancing and merry

making from the Peacock which is in upbeat mood during spring and rainy

season especially in the peal of thunder. Peacock is a national bird of India.

The male bird is called Peacock and the female bird is known as Peahen

where as the common name is Peafowl. The male bird is having magnificent

comb on the head and very beautiful and decorative plumes. Unfortunately,

their feet are ugly and hence annihilate their ego for having beautiful

plumes. The bird santers around majestically in a very peculiar way. The bee

which goes on humming has taught us how to remain busy and engaged in

work to avoid worries/ depression and to drink the nectar of every “flower”

in our life. It provides us honey which gives us energy and nutrition for good

health. Honey also enhances our stamina and metabolism, reduces stress,

fatigue and ageing process. Honey contains about 82 % carbohydrates. It

also contains Vitamin B, many minerals and antioxidants (in unpasturized

form) . It is widely used for dressing wounds and in treatment of burns,

cataracts of eyes, skin ulcers and reduces inflammation. It is believed that in

World War I when electricity and power batteries were not available the

glow-worms were used by the military to read maps at night in the

battlefield.  

          The crow is very vigilant, swift and opportunist, untrustworthy, far-

sighted, trickster and acts as a guard/patrol/ surveillance and is extremely

clever. We have learnt all its habits including the one of remaining humble

from outside and crooked from inside. Being a vigilant bird we learn from it

to remain very careful even from a trustworthy person. This bird flies in the

straight path. We have learnt from it to tread straight paths in our lives. The

cock helps us in our early wake-up at its crow and crackling sound so that

we should pray God in wee hours. The cock fight is very famous and

reminds us to fight head on to the hilt or out wit with our enemy , our

problems in life and our weaknesses and ailments etc. It also teaches us as to

how we should share our wealth with others and live unitedly as this bird has

such qualities. The hen lay for us nutritious eggs. The vultures, crows, flies,

ants, dogs,  beatles and larva are good scavengers which eat up the

carcasses. Beatles, also called lady bug or lady beetle in N. America are

welcome by farmers as they love to eat aphids, the tiny soft-bodied

insects that suck the life out of garden and agricultural crops. Besides, the

beetles feed on many other insect pests and thus we are saved by not using

harmful pesticides. The eagle is famous for its ever watchful and sharp eyes.

We have learnt distinguishing between good and bad, right and wrong from

Swan (Raj Hans) as it can separate water from milk and drinks itself the pure

milk only.

          Moth is always prepared to sacrifice its life over an effulgent light/

fire. It also teaches us to sacrifice our lives for the sake of our beloved ones

as the partridges of both sexes do for each other. It is believed that termites

could sustain life even during the atomic bomb of 1945 in Japan when many

human lives were lost. Thus we have formed the belief that when God wills

and showers grace in favour of some one , no one can go against His ordain. 

A favorite food in some parts of Africa is Caterpillar. This is an

important source of rich protein and are nutritious. These are welcome

supplement to the diet by the poor.

           We have learnt swimming in water from fish only. Fish is the vehicle

of goddess Ganga. We have obtained oil and gas from sea for generating

electricity for domestic purpose, running machines, transport and vehicles

etc. Seas and rivers have given us marine food which is good for our health.

Mention here is made of sea weeds which are very nutritional and have

therapeutic benefits. These should not be contaminated. These are pure fibre

and aid in slimming but too much iodine in it can interfere with our thyroid

function. Sea weeds contain many vitamins, minerals and enzymes. These

are sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulphur, phosphorus,

iodine , iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, manganese,

boron, nickel and cobalt. The common sea weeds are : spirulina, chlorella,

Agar-agar, Kelp, sea lettuce, Kunbu/ Kombu and Sargassum, Nori and

Wakame. Like sea and river we have learnt as to how we should live within

our limits and restrictions otherwise our life will be disarrayed like a deluge

due to high tides in sea or river, We can learn the art of limitation through

the examples set by Lord Rama in his life due to which he was called

“Maryada Purshotam” (an ideal person). He was a person of apex and

pristine character and thus became endear of all and enjoyed their

encomium. Fish contains protein and fat which are essential for our growth.  

          Tortoise is very humble, shy, flexible and squeezes itself in its hard

shell (called crustaceous) while its abdomen is very soft (called Plastron) .It

is said that Tiger sharks can only eat this hard shelled creature. It has very

long life of more than 250 years. It is not out of place to mention here that a

tortoise called Adwaita (meaning peerless) died in Kolkata zoo at the age of

255 years on March 22, 2006 after developing a wound on his chest

followed by liver failure. This creature was pure vegetarian and had spent

some years with Robert Clive, the victor of battle of Plassey in 1757. Robert

Clive consolidated the British Empire in India. Another tortoise, Harriet by

name, died at the age of 176 years on June 22, 2006 in Australia after a short

illness and heart failure. It was weighing 150 Kilogram at the time of its

death. It is said that Charles Darwin, a famous English naturalist and pioneer

in the theory of evolution, studied on it.  Harriet was actually a female

creature. Tortoise turns low and calm according to circumstances. It is a

symbol of submission.

                                                                                                            

          Once Bismillah Khan, a Shehnai maestro of our times in India had

                                                                                                              

rightly said in Urdu ,” Tu zer ho ja, zabar ho jae ga  “(tread low and humble,

you will reach the pinnacle of life). Tortoises are both, vegetarian and non-

vegetarian species. One can find its icon in front of Hindu temples, also

being Coorma avatara (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. It is said that in

Vietnam a large sized album of the past era is found wherein Lord Ganapati

(Lord of wisdom) is shown standing on the back of tortoise. It is also known

as an ancient mariner. Even Lord Krishna while imparting sermon to Arjuna

at the battle field of Kurukshetra advised that like tortoise we should wind

up our senses and exhibit them again at any time and serve mankind and

Lord with devotion and discern between vices and virtues. Such a person is

firmly fixed in perfect consciousness. There is a mention about this in

Bhagavad Gita 2:58. We should not allow our senses to run amok but

control them within ourselves for making our mind steady and flexible

according to the circumstances like the tortoise otherwise we will rend our

lives. Shri Hanuman is a glaring example of having such qualities as he

could easily change his form in accordance with prevailing situations. We

should pray God in complete submission and in kneeling posture with

concentration of mind. Tortoise is co-related to a famous dictum that slow,

consistant and steady wins the race. It is not out of place to mention here that

tortoise is vehicle of Shani or Shanichar(Satrun)who is incarnation of Lord

Shiva. Thus any one coming under the influence of Saturn remains slow and

has to suffer for 2 ½ or 7 ½ years. Saturn is thus considered very

inauspicious. Shani has two main temples in India. One temple is situated at

Koklavan, about 6 Km. from Kosi(UP) on the Nandgaon-Barsana Road and

the second one is at Shingnapur in Ahmednagar Distt. Of Maharashtra State.

It is said that like Shiva, Shani is also preserver and destroyer.

         There is another legend of Puranic period about ocean churning by

gods and demons for getting nectar. In Kurma(Kacchapa) Avtara or

incarnation of Lord Vishnu as tortoise, Lord supported the mountain

Mandara on His sturdy back when a snake called Basuki was used for

churning purpose by the Devatas and Asuras(devils) for recovering celestial

nectar and many other treasures lost in ocean at the time of “Pralaya”

(Catclysm).

          It was reported in press on Dec 30,2005 that Moscow scientists

successfully used tortoise, being slow and steady, as asly spy in the form of

a robot capable of penetrating secret sites with cameras attached to its shell.

Tortoises have emerged as superior to pigeons and rats which were also

                                                                                                                   

auditioned as spies. This animal can survive without food and water for long

periods and carry loads far exceeding their own weights. The creature can

easily survive in high temperatures, radiation and magnetic fields.

          Dolphins teach us how to live active, happily and avoid gloomy life.

They are very intelligent and if trained can destroy enemy ships in rough

water. Dolphins have helped Americans for demining work in Iraqi waters

during war time. The trained dolphins can detect mines in water by just

sniffing and without touching them. Marine seals are fascinating creatures,

joyful, playful, enthusiastic and expert in aerobatics. We have learnt all good

points from their natural behaviour. Crocodile encounters its prey with

dynamic power, is assertive, has vigour, vitality and good stamina. Man has

learnt a good deal from its qualities including the one like shedding fake

tears. Leech (vampire) and maggots also found in water is a good blood

sucker. It sucks impure blood from our body and thus heals our wounds and

other blood related ailments to make us healthy. Maggots eat dead flesh on

dirty, infected lesions leaving a clean wound for early healing. This treat-

ment is very efficient for diabetics to avoid surgery. Besides, we have  

 

obtained costly pearls from oysters and mussels thriving in the sea. Specially

processed and treated oyster shells are a better source of natural calcium

carbonate which is very necessary for the human body to prevent

osteoporosis. Also these shells in the powder form are used in cleaning/

whitening human teeth and strengthening gums. Apart from this, sea is a

chest of so many medicines. Unfortunately, we have learnt the bad habit of

leg-pulling of one another from crabs. In Asian countries the principle of leg

pulling is adopted in a play called “Kabaddi”. A synthetic form of venom

produced by the Conus Magus (Ghooga in Hindi), a small snail, that lives in

shallow tropical water, can ease pain in cancer and AIDS sufferers who no

longer get relief from traditional pain-killers (Times of India dated Jan 17,

2004).

          Mountains provide us good protection in their caves and are the abode

of many recluses for tranquility, are God gift for trekking, adventures,

skating and meditation. They are also good source of minerals of all kinds

like rock-salt, gold, iron, mica, coal, marble, granite and lime-stone etc.

They also give us fruits, nuts and herbs to rejuvenate us and keep us fit and

fine, water due to melting of snow, good climate due to their verdant

beautiful scenes and landscape. They help us in the formation of rainy

clouds. The water falling from the towering peaks, striking the heavy and

rugged rocks below, and finally merging with the raging rivers and sea teach

us the annihilation of our ego. Mountains also form natural boundaries for

some countries and protect us from an enemy. The study of vibrations

caused by the earthquakes have led us to the invention of the ECG machines

for measuring our heart beats, to know the epicenter of earth quake on

Richter Scale and stone crushing machines in our urinary system.

          Trees and plants are extremely helpful and useful to us in many ways.

They avoid erosion of earth due to river/ sea water rise, keep ecological

balance and provide us greenery and coolness. Trees and vegetation save us

from the onslaught of cyclones to sufficient extent. From the ebb and high

tides of river/ sea we also learn as to how we should face ups and downs of

life and when after that, like river/ sea waves, everything becomes calm and

stable. Trees laden with fruits and swooping down teach us the lesson of

vanquishing our ego. They give us good amount of oxygen, wood, rain,

herbs and fruits etc. The leaves and branches used as a camouflage for

dodging an enemy. An Odumbar tree (also called Gullar) is very much found

and revered in the premises of Hindu temples as it contains lot of sweet

water underneath. The cane, bamboo, willow and palm/ rattan trees teach us

the art of flexibility and slenderness in our hard days like these trees bending

low during storms and gushing waters. In the olden days people used to

protect themselves from heat, cold and rain by using tree bark as a cover to

their bodies. Nowadays we get cotton from plants for the manufacture of

cloth for our use. We have derived many colours from different flowers and

herbs etc. Flowers from plants are feast to our eyes and are used for the

manufacture of scents etc. to upbeat our mood and give relief from many

ailments. Lotus flower has a special value and significance in Hindu religion

being its ability to remain apart from the mire in which it grows. Even its

petals are not affected by wetness. Aloe Vera plant which can survive even

in scanty water is extremely useful for enhancing beauty, being antiseptic

heals wounds, burns and bruises, used in the preparation of shampoos, tooth

gel, treatment of mouth ulcers, skin diseases, asthma, arthritis, inflammation

etc. It contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

          Water is life giver, sustainer and energy booster to the mankind and all

other living beings. Its consumption keeps us hale and hearty. Its true value

is best known to the thirsty in parching heat. Water is also used for farming,

production of electricity by storing it in dams. Water is also widely used for

transportation by many ways. Unfortunately, we are gradually running short

   

of sweet water due to our huge population growth and not conserving it

properly.

                                                                                                             

          Air is equally important for our life. It is used in rotating fans, air-

conditioners, refrigerators for cooling, in heating elements for keeping the

surroundings warm, for pumping in tubes carrying loads and for sound

systems etc. Areas where wind in abundant velocity is available air is used

in wind-mills for production of electricity. Oxygen is widely used in medical

fields to save our precious life in emergency and for cutting of iron/ steel

through electrodes by oxidizing the base metal. Air is helpful in sky-diving,

gliding, aeroplanes and kite flying. Air waves are now extensively used

for communication purpose, super computers, through satellite, airing TV

and radio programmes etc. The compressed air can do a lot of work for us

like lifting of load or for moving heavy parts etc. wherever manual strenuous

efforts may fail. A large quantity of compressed air/ gas can be stored in a

small container/cylinder.

          The sun is life giver/ supporter and according to its movements it

plays an important part in physical and chemical changes of leaves and

plants etc. and moods, hormones and sexual behaviour of all living entities.

It is a major source of light and heat.

                                                                                                               

          The moon is cool and affects the surface of oceans and rivers causing

tides which are beneficial to us in many ways. Its influence makes the

                                                                                                           

vegetables delicious.

         

Earth is also very heavily sustaining our life. It gives us ores, ocean

salts, sustains huge quantity of water, produces gas, oil, food, juicy fruits and

vegetables etc.---the list is endless.

          By deriving so much grace and so many bounties from the Lord of

Creation, All Prevalent, our Eternal Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth if we,

the human beings, are thankless to Him and do not praise the King of Glory

it is fie on us. Let us kneel before Him, the Master of all of us and thank

Him day in and day out for bestowing endless treasures for our benefits.

          Man is ignorant and directionless without the help of a true preceptor.

Nature is our true preceptor provided we have sincere urge to preserve it and

learn from it the true purpose of our life.

          We should obtain energy and thrill from Mother Nature for the

welfare of our body, mind, soul and also for therapeutic cures.        

_____________________________________________________________

A P ANAND

E/ 120. “VIRGO”, Lower Kharodi, Marve Road, Malad(W) ,Mumbai—95

Ph: 022-2862 0872