Prayer to Mother Earth
When I think of Mother Earth, I sometimes see before my eyes a nice landscape, and sometimes this beautiful blue planet as depicted in photos from space.
But when I read the words “whose heart abides in the eternal heaven and is enveloped in Truth and immortality,” I am quite amazed. This prayer is teaching me that Mother Earth is a living, splendid, glorious being—much more than the visible planet, much more than I am aware of in my daily routine and with all the devices and useful utensils around me, and even much more than the seasons, food, and growth—and that I can not only live upon her, but also speak to her, invoke her, and pray to her. I had read this prayer before without contemplating it further, but right now I am in awe.
And so I pray: “O Mother Earth, may we recognize you. May you see unity, harmony, and peace within and all around your precious body. May you be free and happy.”
But when I read the words “whose heart abides in the eternal heaven and is enveloped in Truth and immortality,” I am quite amazed. This prayer is teaching me that Mother Earth is a living, splendid, glorious being—much more than the visible planet, much more than I am aware of in my daily routine and with all the devices and useful utensils around me, and even much more than the seasons, food, and growth—and that I can not only live upon her, but also speak to her, invoke her, and pray to her. I had read this prayer before without contemplating it further, but right now I am in awe.
And so I pray: “O Mother Earth, may we recognize you. May you see unity, harmony, and peace within and all around your precious body. May you be free and happy.”
Hindelang, Germany
Reading this prayer, I am inspired by the sages who “through their wondrous powers” brought Mother Earth out of “the waters of the ocean.” I feel that I too—enlivened and guided by our Guru, and together with others through our collective sadhana—can bring harmony to Mother Earth and simple plentitude to all who inhabit her.
Washington, United States
For the last three days during my morning yoga stretches, I’ve ended in the posture of shavasana, invoking the presence of Mother Earth. I feel her warm, loving embrace support my entire being as I pray for her nurturing, healing grace. Surrendering to her powerful and unconditional love fills me with a sweet, peaceful joy.
So I was delighted to see this prayer from the Atharva Veda today, affirming my new morning practice. My heart overflows with love and gratitude.
So I was delighted to see this prayer from the Atharva Veda today, affirming my new morning practice. My heart overflows with love and gratitude.
California, United States
This prayer invites me to bow before Mother Earth.
Once, while watching a documentary, I was amazed to see people who live near a volcano making pilgrimages and offerings to the volcano. They thanked the volcano for giving their land rich minerals and asked for its protection.
This prayer reminds me that during my day, I too can recognize all that Mother Earth does for me. And I can start by simply noticing that all the animate beings and inanimate objects around me come from her very being. With that recognition comes profound respect.
Once, while watching a documentary, I was amazed to see people who live near a volcano making pilgrimages and offerings to the volcano. They thanked the volcano for giving their land rich minerals and asked for its protection.
This prayer reminds me that during my day, I too can recognize all that Mother Earth does for me. And I can start by simply noticing that all the animate beings and inanimate objects around me come from her very being. With that recognition comes profound respect.
Rodez, France
What a beautiful prayer! I read it over and over again, and I feel my heart resonate with the essence of Mother Earth. The photo of this rare and magnificent tree fills me with tenderness and gratitude. I am grateful for this reminder that we are part of Mother Earth!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
While reading this moving prayer, I had a surprising revelation. A few years ago I created a painting of Mother Earth falling into the ocean, believing this was “just” my imagination. Then I read these lines from the prayer: “May Mother Earth, who was once submerged in the waters of the ocean and discovered by the sages through their wondrous powers…”
Just amazing!
Just amazing!
Milan, Italy
I offer this prayer for the upliftment of all. May all beings be protected and may Mother Earth be protected!
Marval, France
This beautiful prayer completely resonates with my love for Mother Earth. To me, she is magnificent in the myriad ways she shows us utmost beauty.
For me, Mother Earth is a great spiritual teacher. Her love for every living being is infinite and she gives and gives continually, and so I learn from her how to have great tolerance, patience, and compassion. Mother Earth also teaches me discipline because every element in the natural world functions in perfect harmony, and she teaches me detachment in letting things flow in their own natural way.
I see Mother Earth as a master of great strength and deep, supreme silence. She is the source of great inspiration for those who love her and understand her magic. I bow to Mother Earth with all my love, gratitude, and respect.
For me, Mother Earth is a great spiritual teacher. Her love for every living being is infinite and she gives and gives continually, and so I learn from her how to have great tolerance, patience, and compassion. Mother Earth also teaches me discipline because every element in the natural world functions in perfect harmony, and she teaches me detachment in letting things flow in their own natural way.
I see Mother Earth as a master of great strength and deep, supreme silence. She is the source of great inspiration for those who love her and understand her magic. I bow to Mother Earth with all my love, gratitude, and respect.
Milan, Italy
As I opened the Siddha Yoga path website, and saw this beautiful rendering of the Vedic “Prayer to Mother Earth,” my heart rang out in joy. I thought, “How beautiful!” The poem in all its glory reflects the benevolence and strength of the earth.
I read it twice and contemplated the meaning of this prayer for me. Mother Earth is the sustainer of our existence, and here in South Carolina we revel every day in her beauty and glory. I cherish this prayer as a way to honor Mother Earth.
I read it twice and contemplated the meaning of this prayer for me. Mother Earth is the sustainer of our existence, and here in South Carolina we revel every day in her beauty and glory. I cherish this prayer as a way to honor Mother Earth.
South Carolina, United States
I am always moved to see the way that the sacred scriptures of India offer prayers, like this one, that bless everyone in the world—no matter what their religion, culture, or country might be.
St. Laurent, Canada