90 91 beings equally, regardless of their status or background. This verse tells us that wise and kind people, called sages, see everyone as equal. They understand that whether someone is very smart (like a wise scholar), big and strong (like an elephant), or even if they have a job that others might not like (like a person who eats dogs), everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. • Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever charity you give, whatever austerity you practice, do it as an offering to Me. (Bhagavad Gita: 9.27) From the Smriti Texts Mahabharata: Self-control consists in never wishing for another man's possessions, in gravity and patience and capacity to allay the fears of others in respect to one's own self, and immunity from disease. The casting off of affection as also of all earthly possessions, is called renunciation. Renunciation can never be acquired except by one who is divested of anger and malice. That virtue in consequence of which one does good, with watchfulness and care, to all creatures is called goodness. It hath no particular shape and consists in the divestment of all selfish attachments. Book 12: Santi Parva, Section 162 This passage teaches us that by practicing self-control, renunciation, and goodness, we can live in harmony with nature and all living creatures. It's about treating the Earth and all its inhabitants with care and respect, while also letting go of selfishness and material desires. All creatures are seen to divide the food (they procure) amongst those that depend on them. The houses of the good men can never be in want of grass (for seat), space (for rest), water (to wash and assuage thirst), and fourthly, sweet words. To the weary a bed,--to one fatigued with standing, a seat,--to the thirsty, water,--and to the hungry, food should ever be given. To a guest are due pleasant looks and a cheerful heart and sweet words. The host, rising up, should advance towards the guest, offer him a seat, and duly worship him. Book 3: Vana Parva, Section 2 This Sukta, or hymn, is a poetic expression of reverence and gratitude towards the Earth as a nurturing and sustaining force. It portrays the Earth as a divine mother who provides abundantly for all living beings and embodies the principles of fertility, stability, and harmony. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the Song of Mother Earth invokes a sense of awe and respect for the natural world, emphasizing the interconnectedness between humanity and the Earth. Yajur Veda: Earth, atmosphere, sky, sun, moon, stars, water, plants, trees, moving creatures, swimming creatures, creeping creatures all are hailed and offered oblations. (Taittiriya Samhita 1.8.13) From the Upanishad Sarvam Khalu Idam Brahma: The entire universe is the Divine, which includes our self. The Divine is not only the consciousness principle in you and I, it is also the being principle in all things. It is the ultimate object as well as the inmost subject in all beings. It is one in all and all in one. (Chandogya Upanishad) From the Bhagavad Gita: • "He is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy." (Bhagavad Gita 18.61) This verse reminds us that God is everywhere, in every part of nature, and that we can feel close to God by appreciating the beauty and wonder of the world around us. It's like we're all part of a big machine called nature, and God’s presence is like the engine that keeps it running smoothly. • "The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater." (Bhagavad Gita 5.18) This verse from the Bhagavad Gita teaches us about the importance of seeing all living
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