On Environment Day, Swami Chidanand gave the message – “Cleanliness outside, cleanliness within”

Rishikesh. On the previous occasion of World Environment Day, Swami Chidanand Saraswati ji gave the message that environmental protection is not limited to only protecting the earth, water, air and trees, but it is also very important to make our thoughts, values ​​and life values ​​pure and clean. He said that if the external environment is to be saved then first of all the internal environment will have to be made pollution free.

“Internal cleanliness means returning to one’s original form.” Our true nature is peace, love, compassion and joy, but layers of anger, ego, greed, fear and negative thoughts cover it. Just as we keep the environment around us clean, it is necessary to purify our mind, thoughts and emotions also. By self-study, meditation, satsang, service and involvement in rituals, we can re-awaken the purity within us. When the inner soul is pure, then the light of balance, positivity and divinity automatically starts shining in life.

Swamiji said that today the world is facing many challenges like plastic, pollution, climate change and degradation of natural resources. The root of these problems is not only external, but also lies in the greed, consumerism, insensitivity and distance from nature arising in human consciousness. When we move away from our values, values ​​and spiritual roots, our connection with nature also begins to weaken.

Swami said that rivers are not just water streams for us, but life streams. Trees are the source of vital air. Earth is not just land, but our mother. Only when we implement these feelings in our lives, the resolution of environmental protection comes true in the true sense.

Swamiji said, “By connecting with the Vedas, mantras, rituals, culture, values ​​and our roots, we can keep our inner environment clean. Clean thoughts are the basis of a clean society and a clean environment.”

Addressing the youth, he said that environmental protection is not a one-day campaign, but it has to become a lifestyle. Every person has to take a pledge that “My garbage is my responsibility”. He said that if every citizen properly manages the waste generated by him, reduces the use of plastic and adopts recycling, then major solutions to environmental challenges will automatically become possible.

Swami especially called for rising above the culture of use and throw and adopting the culture of use and grow. He said that today’s consumerist society is promoting the mentality of using and throwing away things, whereas Indian culture is a culture of conservation, re-use and promotion. If we reuse any item, give it new life, respect resources and establish harmony with nature, then this earth can become more safe and beautiful for the future generations.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati called upon the youth to adopt the principles of cleanliness, sensitivity and sustainable development in their lives and contribute in keeping this earth green.