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Sikhism and Environment Protection


The teachings of Sikhism have a direct connection with environmentalism, ecology and environment protection.

In Sikhism, the misuse of the bounties of nature is considered immoral and unpardonable.

According to Guru Nanak Dev, air is the Guru, water is the Father, and earth is the Great Mother of all, while the day and night are the two nurses in whose lap all the world is at play.



Guru Grantha Sahib, 157 says
"Guru successively transforms himself into a doe living and moving underneath the earth, into a fish living and moving in water, and into a nightingale, living and moving in the air and resting on the trees."

Sikhism decries the practice of animals sacrifice and lays stress on harmonious living with all creation in nature’s creations.

According to Sikhism a man enslaved by the five vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego causes ecological degradation. Such people follow their self-centered impulses and exploit the natural resources of the earth in a reckless manner.

The Sikh tradition regards the tree as the source and sustenance of life.

Sikhism believes that the inner environment of a man affects the outer environment. Guru Nanak Dev, in a metaphor drawn from farming, asks people to make their mind that of ploughman, their practical life the farming, their effort the water and their body the field. He exhorts them to sow the seed of God’s name with contentment as the setting.