The Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas of Hinduism,
contains hymns and verses that touch upon various aspects of life, including
nature. Here are a few quotes from the Atharva Veda that reflect on nature:
"May the earth be free from disturbance; may the
atmosphere be peaceful. May the medicinal herbs grow in abundance. May the
Brahmanas (learned ones) speak sweetly and sweetly may the plants and herbs
grow." (Atharva Veda 12.1.12)
"Mother Earth, who has many forms and is the source of
all fruits and vegetables, let the abundance you bestow upon us be nourishing
and beneficial." (Atharva Veda 12.1.15)
"The Earth, who has gold beneath her and iron in her
bowels, who gives birth to many plants and grasses, let her be kind to us and
bestow upon us all that is good." (Atharva Veda 12.1.28)
"O Earth, in whom this All is woven and who bears and
sustains us, grant us, O Mother, nourishment and freedom from harm."
(Atharva Veda 12.1.30)
O Earth, rich in wealth, the seat of all, may thou spread
wide to support us.
May this earth, the mistress of the green plants and the
trees, grant us her blessings.
May the earth give us support, as a mother her sons.
O Earth, girt with wide expanses, be easy for us to
traverse.
Let us enjoy the earth, full of food, nourishing, wide as
heaven.
The earth is my mother, her child am I.
O Earth, bearer of infinite things, may thou be easy for us
to traverse.
May the earth and the heaven look upon us with favor.
May the mountains, may the waters, may the herbs, may the
heaven and earth be our friends.
May all the plants on earth protect us.
May the forest trees and plants be kind to us.
May the herbs grow in abundance for our welfare.
May the rivers flow sweetly for our happiness.
May the sun and moon bestow blessings upon us.
May the seasons be favorable to us.
May the winds be kind to us.
May the rains be timely and plentiful.
May the fire be our friend and protect us.
May the dawn bring us happiness.
May the twilight bring us peace.
May the stars shine upon us with benevolence.
May the birds sing melodies of joy for us.
May the animals of the forest share their wisdom with us.
May the oceans be calm and serene.
May the clouds bring us refreshing rains.
May the flowers bloom in abundance.
May the fruits be plentiful and sweet.
May the earth be fertile and bountiful.
May the sky be clear and blue.
May nature's beauty inspire us to live in harmony.
These verses from the Atharva Veda highlight the reverence
and respect for nature and the Earth as a nurturing and sustaining force. They
emphasize the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world,
promoting harmony and balance.
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Earth, upon which this moving, breathing life exists;
May she bestow on us the finest of her harvests!
Earth, the all-sustaining, treasure-bearing, resting-place;
Golden-breasted Earth, home of all life,
Who bears the sacred fire.
Pleasant be thy hills, O Earth,
Thy snow-clad mountains and thy forests.
On this Earth do I stand,
Unvanquished, unslain, unhurt.
Set me, O Earth, amidst the nourishing strength
That emanates from thy body.
The Earth is my mother, her child am I;
Infinite space is my father,
May he fill us with plenty.
Peaceful, sweet-smelling, gracious Earth.
Whatever I dig from thee, O Earth,
May that have quick growth again,
May we not injure your vitals or your heart.
Full of sweetness are the plants,
And full of sweetness these my words.
And with things that are full of sweetness,
I prosper in a thousand ways.
Atharva Veda Book XII