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Three Real Jewels on This Earth: Air, Water, and Food – Ancient Hindu Teaching and Its Modern-Day Relevance

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The ancient Hindu teachings emphasize that the three real jewels on this earth are air, water, and food. These essentials of life are not just physical sustenance but are deeply intertwined with spiritual and moral teachings in Hinduism. They are seen as gifts of nature, deserving of reverence and protection.

1. Air (Vāyu)

Air, or Vāyu, is considered the breath of life, essential for the survival of all living beings. The importance of air is highlighted in the Prāṇa, the life force or vital energy in Hindu philosophy. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu scriptures, describe Prāṇa as the ultimate life force that sustains the body.

  • Story from the Vedas: In the Rigveda, Vāyu is not only the wind god but also the messenger of the gods, carrying the essence of life. The Atharva Veda extols the importance of Prāṇa, emphasizing that without air, life ceases to exist.

  • Quote: "The breaths are the life of all beings; life itself is breath. Breath alone, verily, is the conscious self of a man." (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3.7.16)

  • Modern-Day Relevance: In today’s context, air pollution is a significant concern, impacting health and well-being globally. The reverence for air in Hindu teachings underscores the need for environmental consciousness and the protection of this vital resource.

2. Water (Āpaḥ)

Water, or Āpaḥ, is another fundamental element in Hinduism, symbolizing purity, life, and sustenance. Water is considered sacred, used in rituals, and is seen as a purifier of both the body and the soul.

  • Mythological Reference: In Hindu mythology, the Ganges River, personified as the goddess Ganga, descended from the heavens to purify the earth and its inhabitants. The Ganges is worshipped and considered the holiest of rivers, symbolizing the life-giving and purifying nature of water.

  • Quote: "Waters, you are beneficent: so grant us life that we may look upon the sun." (Rigveda 10.9.4)

  • Modern-Day Relevance: With the growing scarcity of clean water and issues like water pollution and over-extraction, the ancient Hindu reverence for water reminds us of the need to conserve and respect this vital resource.

3. Food (Annam)

Food, or Annam, is regarded as the sustainer of life and is often referred to as Brahman in the Taittiriya Upanishad, which states that all beings are born from food, are sustained by food, and ultimately return to food.

  • Teaching from the Taittiriya Upanishad: The Upanishad discusses the importance of food and encourages the sharing of food as an act of dharma (righteousness). It teaches that one should never turn away someone who comes to you for food, highlighting the importance of generosity and compassion.

  • Quote: "From food all creatures are produced, by food they grow, and in food they find shelter. Food is the most important of all things for living beings." (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.2.1)

  • Modern-Day Relevance: In the modern world, where food wastage coexists with hunger, this ancient teaching emphasizes the ethical responsibility to avoid waste and ensure food security for all. It also aligns with the growing awareness of sustainable agriculture and mindful eating.

Interconnectedness and Holistic Living

The Hindu view of air, water, and food as jewels reflects a holistic understanding of life, where all elements are interconnected. This perspective aligns with modern ecological consciousness, which recognizes the interdependence of all life forms and the environment.

Lesser-Known Information

  • The Concept of "Pancha Mahabhuta": In Hindu cosmology, air, water, and food are part of the Pancha Mahabhuta, the five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that constitute all matter. This concept highlights the balance and harmony required between these elements for sustaining life.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Ancient Hindu practices like Vrikshayurveda (the science of plant life) and Vāstu Shastra (traditional Indian architecture) emphasize harmony with nature, promoting sustainable practices that are relevant even in contemporary times.

  • Annam Brahma: The notion of "Annam Brahma" in Hinduism considers food as divine. Offering food (Annadāna) is considered one of the highest forms of charity, believed to earn immense spiritual merit.

The ancient Hindu teachings that regard air, water, and food as the true jewels of the earth have profound modern-day relevance. These elements are not only necessary for physical survival but also carry deep spiritual significance. The respect and reverence for these resources taught by Hinduism offer valuable lessons for contemporary society, urging us to adopt sustainable practices and mindful living to ensure that these jewels continue to sustain life on earth for generations to come.