secrets of the nature?
KR Nature the prakriti is addressed as a lady-MAYA; the nature gives
in bounty; the nature possess the hidden secrets useful to human.
Advancements in Drug Discovery from Natural Sources
Recent research continues to show that nature is an incredible repository
of bioactive compounds. Plants, fungi, marine life, and microbes produce
molecules that can become medicines. Modern methods—like genomics,
metabolomics, AI—are helping us discover these faster and more
sustainably. AYURVEDA IS ONLY NATURE’S SECRET.
India’s Ethnobotany: Tradition Meets Modern Science
India has centuries of traditional knowledge about plants (their medicinal,
culinary, cultural uses). Recent work examines how this knowledge can
inform future drug discovery and conservation efforts—bridging old wisdom
and new tools.
AI & Herbarium Specimens: Revealing Hidden Diversity
Mistaken identifications in plant collections can mislead science that
depends on them. Using AI + digitized specimens helps sort out errors,
clarifies species boundaries, and helps reveal biodiversity properly.
Biomimicry: Learning from Nature's Designs
Nature has evolved solutions to many difficult problems (energy efficiency,
resilience, adaptability). Biomimicry takes these ‘designs’ and translates
them to human technology. Examples include Velcro (burrs), efficient
surfaces inspired by shark skin, etc.
The Philosophical Depth: Nature, Mystery, and Laws
Some papers explore nature not only as a subject of scientific law but as
something fundamentally mysterious—where even the best scientific methods
may face limitations. For instance, work on how we conceptualize laws of
nature in cosmology, or philosophical pieces on how consciousness, or
direct experience, relates to nature. Entire physics is from the hidden
secrets of the nature only.
Some Unique / Deeper Reflections
Interplay of Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science
Nature’s “secrets” are often hidden in plain sight in
indigenous/traditional practices. These practices can guide scientific
discovery, but require respect, ethics, sustainability. The loss of
biodiversity or of cultural knowledge risks losing many secrets forever.
Limits of Scientific Reduction
While science works well to dissect, analyse, predict, there are aspects of
nature—beauty, subjectivity, wonder—that may resist full description.
Things like consciousness, qualia, or aesthetic experiences might always
leave “gaps.” Nature might not be fully graspable purely by reductionist,
mechanistic models.
Emergence and Complexity
Many phenomena arise only when components interact in non‑linear, complex
ways. The “whole is more than sum of parts.” Ecosystems, consciousness,
life itself—they all show emergent properties. These emergent aspects are
part of nature’s secrets.
Ethics & Stewardship
Since nature’s secrets are fragile (biodiversity threatened, species
extinct, environments changed), there's an ethical imperative to protect
what we can. Discoveries are tied to preservation of environments and
knowledge systems.
Mystery as Source of Meaning
Beyond utility or function, the unknown in nature gives space for awe,
wonder, philosophy. Mystery isn't just a problem to solve—it can also
enrich life.
The phrase "secret of nature" has multiple interpretations, referring to
the hidden complexities of the natural world explored in documentaries and
books, such as the biochemical properties of horseshoe crab blood for
medical testing; the profound laws of the universe discussed in
philosophical texts; the mythical and spiritual realms described in occult
literature, like Peter Tompkins' The Secret Life of Nature; and even the
subject of a historical British film series titled Secrets of Nature. It
can also refer to a brand, such as "Secrets of Nature," which sells
cosmetic products, or to a children's book series that introduces natural
phenomena through engaging stories. Five interesting facts about nature:
Oceans produce most of Earth's oxygen: While the Amazon rainforest gets a
lot of credit, the majority of the oxygen we breathe is generated by marine
plants and ocean life.
Trees communicate through a root network: Plants use an underground network
of fungi, known as the "wood wide web," to send messages about drought,
disease, and danger to each other.
Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants: Fungi share more
biological similarities with animals than they do with plants, despite
their common association with the plant kingdom.
Ants are incredibly strong and numerous: Ants can carry objects many times
their own body weight, and the combined weight of all the ants on Earth is
estimated to be greater than that of all humans.
Coral reefs are the largest living structures on Earth: These complex
ecosystems, vital for marine life, are built by countless tiny organisms
and are the largest single living structures on the planet.
10 unbelievable facts:
Science & Nature
Bananas are radioactive: Bananas contain naturally occurring radioactive
isotopes of potassium, making them slightly radioactive.
Stomach acid dissolves razor blades: The strong acid in your stomach is
capable of dissolving a razor blade.
A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus: Venus rotates on its axis
very slowly, taking longer to complete a single rotation than it does to
orbit the Sun.
Octopuses have three hearts: Octopuses have two hearts to pump blood
through the gills and one that pumps it to the rest of the body.
The Eiffel Tower "grows": During the summer, the Eiffel Tower can grow up
to 15 centimeters taller due to thermal expansion of the metal.
More trees than stars in the Milky Way: There are significantly more trees
on Earth than there are stars in our galaxy.
It snows metal on Venus: Due to extreme temperatures and atmospheric
conditions, it snows metal in the form of lead sulfide on Venus.
Animals & Biology
Sea lions can clap: Sea lions are the only known animals capable of
clapping their flippers to a beat.
Adult cats meow only to humans: Adult cats rarely meow at each other; they
typically only meow to communicate with humans.
History
The shortest war ever: The Anglo-Zanzibar War in 1896 lasted only 38
minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history.
II Vedic Environmental Philosophy
Rta (ऋत) (Cosmic Order) The concept of Rta pertains to the cosmic order.
Rta (rta) is a fundamental concept in the Vedas, representing the intricate
system that upholds the harmony and balance of the universe. The concept of
natural law and a state of equilibrium that permeates every aspect of
existence is reflected in Rta. Understanding and respecting the delicate
equilibrium and structure of the natural world is essential in practising
Rta.
Rigveda 1.22.18: Ṛtenṛtāṁ naṁrtam kṛṇvanti śarmiṇe, mīḷhuṣe rāyaskāme
dhenavaḥ. "Truth and cosmic order are the keys to winning over the sun's
milk-giving cows, who pour their milk upon those who adhere to these
principles."
Rigveda 10.85.1: Rtasya hi srad avidan manaḥ, rtasya sadhamado vrate."Those
who understand the sacred law of cosmic order have their minds in harmony
with Rta, and they act according to its mandate."
These verses highlight the importance of rta as a fundamental principle
that guarantees the universe's balance and coherence, shedding light on the
truth, underlying laws, and cosmic order.
Prithvi Sukta (Hymn to Earth)
The Prithvi Sukta, found in the Atharvaveda, is a devotional hymn dedicated
to the Earth. The belief system reveres the Earth as a maternal figure and
places great importance on living in harmonious coexistence with it. The
hymn exemplifies a profound ecological awareness, honouring the Earth's
fecundity, ariety, and nourishing capability while advocating for her
safeguarding and reverence.
Prithvi Sukta (Hymn to Earth) from the Atharvaveda, which venerates the
Earth and emphasises the importance of living in harmony with her:
Atharvaveda 12.1.12: "Mātā bhūmiḥ putrohaṁ pṛthivyāḥ, parjanyaḥ pitā sa u
naḥ pipartu."Earth is my mother, and I am her son. May the rain-bearing
heavens be kind to us."
Atharvaveda 12.1.1: Bhūmiṁ dyaur dadhaatu rtviyam, bhūmiṁ bhumiḥ saha
sanasya yoṣaḥ. "May the Earth be always supported by the sky, and may the
Earth support us with the nourishment it provides.
Atharvaveda 12.1.3: Pṛthivīm mātaram śivaṁ, hridayam yatra tishṭhati. "The
Earth, our progenitor, is benevolent and magnanimous, and our emotions
dwell within her."
The lyrics of the Prithvi Sukta demonstrate a profound respect for the
Earth. They emphasise her status as a loving mother and underline the
importance of coexisting harmoniously with nature, recalling the Earth's
fertility, diversity, and sustaining capacity.
Ecological Principles in Vedic Texts
Sustainable Living
The Vedas promote environmental stewardship through minimal consumption,
waste reduction, and reverence for all life forms. This approach closely
aligns with contemporary concepts of sustainability, which emphasise the
reduction of our ecological footprint and the prudent management of our
financial resources.
The Vedas that advocate for sustainable living, minimal consumption,
avoidance of waste, and reverence for all forms of life:
RigvedaRigveda 10.117.6: Ten tyaktena bhunjitha ma gridhah kasyasvid
dhanam. "Enjoy life with renunciation; do not covet others' possessions.
Yajurveda 40.1: Isha vasyam idam sarvam yat kincha jagatyam jagat; tena
tyaktena bhunjitha ma gridhah kasyasvid dhanam. "This entire universe is
filled with Divine presence; enjoy the blessings bestowed by God." Avoid
desiring or craving for material possessions or wealth that others possess."
Atharvaveda 12.1.45: "Pṛithivīm dharayantīm dyāvāpṛithivī bahulām,
anna-patnīm prthivīm mātarṁ pṛithivīm dharayiṣṇīm bhavāmi. "May the earth
that holds people together, that has vast space and food, that is a mother
and gives birth to so many kinds of life, grant us life without harm.”
Atharvaveda 3.30.8: Ma himsīt sarvabhūtāni; māśīrvadabhiṣecanaḥ. "Do not
harm any living creature; treat them with compassion and care."
Rigveda 10.37.11: Sam gacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manāmsi jānathām;
devā bhāgam yathā pūrve sanjānānā upāsate. "Move together in harmony; speak
together in one voice; let your minds be in unison, as the gods of ancient
times cooperated with each other for the common good."
These verses encapsulate the principles of sustainable living, minimal
consumption, waste reduction, and respect for all forms of life. They
adhere to modern sustainability principles that promote minimising our
ecological footprint and coexisting harmoniously with the natural world.
Interconnectedness of Life
Vedic philosophy acknowledges the interconnectedness of all kinds of
existence. This comprehensive perspective fosters ecological awareness and
compassion for the environment. The Vedas advocate for a sense of
responsibility and obligation towards nature by recognising the
interdependence of all living entities.
The Vedas relect a holistic view of the interconnectedness of all life,
promoting ecological awareness and compassion towards the environment:
Rigveda 10.191.4: Sangachhadhwam samvadadhwam sam vo manamsi janatam, Deva
bhagam yatha purve sanjanana upasate. "Walk together in harmony; speak with
one voice; be of one mind, as the gods of old cooperated with one another
for the common good."
Yajurveda 36.17: "Mitraasyaaham chakshushaa sarvaani bhootaani sameekshe.
Mitrasya chakshushaa sameekshe. Mitraasya chakshushaa sameekshe. "With the
eyes of a friend, I behold all beings. With the eyes of a friend, I behold
the universe. With the eyes of a friend, I behold everything."
Yajurveda 13.28: Samani prapah sushaha vah samani yoma akuti. Samani va
akuti samani hridayani vah. Samanamastu vo mano yatha vah susahasti. "Drink
the same water, breathe the same air, be together in mind and heart. Let
our aspirations be in unison, and may we live together in harmony and
mutual understanding."
Atharvaveda 12.1.12: Mātā bhūmiḥ putrohaṁ pṛthivyāḥ, parjanyaḥ pitā sa u
naḥ pipartu. "Earth is my mother, and I am her son. May the rain-bearing
heavens be kind to us."
Atharvaveda 1.32.4: Dyāvāpṛthivī janayan devā agre ya oṣadhīḥ
prathamamānasṛjātaḥ. "May the original creators of the divine system of the
natural order (Rita), as well as vegetation, planets and celestial spheres,
protect us."
These poems demonstrate the Vedic philosophy of the interconnectedness of
all living beings, advocating environmental awareness, conservation, and
responsibility towards the natural world. They focus on the interdependence
of all entities and the importance of harmonious coexistence with the
environment.
Environmental Ethics
Dharma and Environmental Responsibility
Dharma is a core tenet of Vedic philosophy encompassing duties, ethical
behaviour, and responsibility for one's actions. Within environmental
ethics, dharma represents the ethical duty to safeguard and improve the
natural environment. This responsibility extends beyond personal benefit
and encompasses the well-being of all existence.
The Vedas incorporate the concept of dharma in relation to environmental
preservation, emphasising the need to save and improve the natural
environment.
RigvedaRigveda 10.85.44: Mātā bhūmih putro aham prithivyah, parjanyah pita
sa u naḥ pipartu. "The Earth is my mother, and I am her son. May the
rain-bearing heavens be kind to us."
Atharvaveda 12.1.12: Mātā bhūmiḥ putrohaṁ pṛthivyāḥ, parjanyaḥ pitā sa u
naḥ pipartu. "Earth is my mother, and I am her son. May the rain-bearing
heavens be kind to us.
"Atharvaveda 12.1.35: Dyāvāpṛthivī janayan devā agre ya oṣadhīḥ
prathamamānasṛjātaḥ. "He who first created the holy order of nature (Rta),
and the plants, the earth, and the sky, may he protect us."
Yajurveda 36.22: Prithivim dharmana dhritam. "The Earth is upheld by
righteousness (Dharma).
"Yajurveda 13.47: Yajnena yajnam ayajanta devah tani dharmani prathama
nyasan. They performed the sacrifice (yagya), and the gods placed those
dharmas first.
Manusmriti 6.54: Annam na nindyat tattvartaṁ annam bahu rakṣhet. Pṛthivyāṁ
yadi vṛṣṭiḥ syāt tat syāt sarvasya bheshajam. "Do not despise food, for it
is the healing herb; if there is rain on Earth, it becomes the remedy for
all."
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita 3.12: Ishtān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante
yajña-bhāvitāḥ. Tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhunkte stena eva saḥ. "The
demigods, being pleased with the completion of sacrificial rituals (yagya),
will provide you with all the essential requirements." However, anyone who
takes pleasure in these blessings without reciprocating by donating them to
the demigods is undoubtedly a thief."
These quotes emphasise the Vedic concept of dharma, which includes the need
to care for the environment. They prioritise the responsibility of
protecting and enhancing the earth, guaranteeing the welfare of all living
beings, not just for personal gain but for the general welfare of the
planet.
Ahimsa (nonviolence) is a principle that advocates the absence of harm or
violence toward all living beings. This principle applies not only to human
relationships but also to all living beings. Practising ahimsa means
avoiding harming animals and plants, promoting biodiversity, and
maintaining ecological balance.
The principle of ahimsa is rooted in the Vedas, which underline the
importance of avoiding harm to all sentient beings and advocating
biodiversity and ecological balance.
Rigveda 10.85.44: Yajña-bhūmiḥ pṛthivīṁ dhṛtā saṁvatsareṇa yajñena. "The
Earth, known as the realm of selflessness, is sustained by the yearly
ritual cycle of yajñ."
YajurvedaYajurveda 36.18: Annam na nindyat tattvartaṁ annam bahu rakṣhet.
"Do not despise food. Preserve it with care and respect."
Yajurveda 13.47:Ahimsa prathamam pujyam. "Non-violence is the highest duty."
Yajurveda 12.32: Mitrasyaaham chakshusha sarvaani bhootani sameekshe. "With
the eyes of a friend, I behold all beings."
Atharvaveda 6.23.3: Ma himsīsṭa sarva bhūtāni. "May all beings be free from
harm."
Manusmriti 6.60: Ahimsa satyam asteyam śaucham indriya-nigrahah.
"Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, purity and sensory control are eternal
duties.
"Shrimad Bhagavad Gita 12.13: Adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānām maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca.
Nirmamo nirahaṅkāraḥ sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ kṣamī. "One who maintains no hatred
towards any living being exhibits friendliness and compassion, lacks
attachment and ego, remains equanimous in both happiness and sorrow and
possesses a forgiving nature."
These lines draw attention to the concept of non-violence and emphasise the
importance of non-violence towards all, including humans and other
sensitive species. This principle supports a caring attitude towards life,
promoting ecological balance and protecting biodiversity.
Practical Applications in Ancient Times
Vedic Agriculture
The Vedas define agricultural methodologies that highlight the principle of
sustainability. Vedic farming includes fundamental techniques, including
crop rotation, natural fertilisation, and the utilisation of organic
matter. These strategies ensure the maintenance of soil fertility and a
stable crop output without harming the land.
Sustainabe agricultural practices that focus on methods such as crop
rotation, natural fertilisation, and the use of organic matter to guarantee
soil fertility and long-term productivity include:
Rigveda 10.101.8: Aagne vratapate vratam charishyāmi tatra me rādhyatām
idam aham anṛtasya na vṛtam avāmi satyam uttamam. "O Agni, Lord of Vows, I
shall perform the vow. May it bring success to me. I will not break the vow
of truth but uphold the highest truth."
Atharvaveda 3.17.10: "Yad eṣām pravatam prāśākābhūḥ, śunāsīra, mānasya
vājinīvati. Amba yasya vājinīvati. "O Prithvi, in whose wide lap grows
food, plants, and vegetation, upon whom the forest stands, may she grant us
nourishment and sustain our lives."
Atharvaveda 3.24.5: Pṛthivī noṣadhīṣṭhā annapārakṛt bhavatu. "May the
Earth, with its fields of herbs and plants, be kind to us and provide us
with food."
Yajurveda 11.83: Annād bhavanti bhūtāni parjanyād anna-sambhavah. Yajñād
bhavati parjanyo yajñah karma-samudbhavah."All living beings originate from
food, which is generated from rain." Precipitation is generated by the
process of yajña, which in turn originates from prescribed duties."
Yajurveda 13.43: Urvarā oṣadhayaḥ saṁvat saram avardhayan. "May the flora
and botanicals flourish profusely all year round."
Water Conservation Ancient Vedic writings also document advanced methods
for conserving and managing water. Techniques such as rainwater collecting,
the creation of ponds and tanks, and the effective utilisation of water
resources were frequently employed to uphold the hydrological cycle and
guarantee water availability.
The Vedas highlight ancient water conservation and management methods, such
as rainwater harvesting, construction of ponds and reservoirs, and
efficient utilisation of water resources.
Rigveda 7.49.2: Apo hi ṣṭhā mayobhuvas tā na urje dadhātana. Maheramāṇāḥ
karṇadhvam. "O water, you are the giver of health; give us strength and
vitality so we can drink your nectar."
Rigveda 10.30.12: Indraḥ sindhum atisṛjaḥ svarṣāḥ parvatāvadhiḥ. "Indra
released the waters from the mountain streams for the benefit of the
people."
Atharvaveda 3.13.5: Ya osadhayaḥ sambhritā aapo vārin sarvaścaram. Te no
mṛḍantu varcasā. "May the herbs gathered from the waters and all moving
liquids grant us strength and brilliance."
Atharvaveda 19.2.2: Yā āpo divyā uta vā sravanti khanitrimā uta vā yāḥ
svayamjāḥ. Samudrārthā yāḥ śucayaḥ pāvakās tā āpo deva īhituṁ kalpayan tāḥ.
"May the celestial waters, the terrestrial waters, the subterranean waters,
and the naturally occurring waters, which are divine in nature and possess
the qualities of purity and cleansing, grant us strength."
YajurvedaYajurveda 11.50: Apo devīr upa hūtaḥ samagman ta āpo deveer upa
hūtaḥ sam agman. Iḍā na urjam dadhātu. "We invoke the divine waters that
have come together; may they grant us nourishment and strength."
Yajurveda 6.22: Apo hi ṣṭhā mayobhuvas tā na urje dadhātana. Maheramāṇāḥ
karṇadhvam."Waters, you possess advantageous qualities; bestow upon us
power and vitality so that we may consume your essence."
Shatapatha Brahmana 1.8.1.6: "Apo vṛṣṭir bhavanti yatra vrṣṭiḥ tatra jīvāḥ.
"Where there is rain, there is life."
These statements emphasise the importance of water in Vedic philosophy and
the sophisticated techniques used in ancient times for water conservation
and management. They also emphasise the importance of valuing water as a
crucial resource and the actions taken to ensure its availability and
sustainability in the long run.
Relevance to Modern Environmentalism
The ideas in Vedic environmental philosophy are very similar to those in
current environmental movements. Sustainability, respect for nature, and
living in a way that takes care of your needs can teach us a lot about
dealing with environmental damage and climate change today.
Vedic rituals can protect the environment. Certain rituals described in the
Vedas, which are intended to pay respect to natural elements, have the
potential to inspire contemporary efforts to safeguard the environment. For
instance, customs such as tree planting, safeguarding water supplies, and
showing reverence for animal life might be employed in contemporary society
to enhance environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, Vedic philosophy contains timeless knowledge that can help
us treat the world more carefully and respectfully. By following these
ancient rules in our daily lives, we can help protect the earth and ensure
the health of future generations.
Saraswati, Swami Dayananda. Hymns from the Vedas. Arsha Vidya Research and
Publication Trust, 2010.
K RAJARAM IRS 30925
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