Jivo Jivasya Jeevanam: Unfolding the Transformative Power of Life

 

Jivo Jivasya Jeevanam: Unfolding the Transformative Power of Life

If you are in the Delhi or Agra area during the winter months, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a magical place to visit. A few years ago, I spent a day exploring this stunning sanctuary in North India, renowned for being a haven for birds. Over 350 species flock to Bharatpur during the winter, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

The sanctuary is not just about birds; it also features a small museum filled with fascinating exhibits. Inside, you will find detailed information: diversity, anatomy, physiology, migration patterns, etc about the sanctuary’s feathered residents. However, one section of the museum particularly caught my attention. It showcased photographs from the British colonial era, revealing a darker chapter in history: hunting for tiger and bird trophies.

One striking photo depicted British officers proudly standing on what appeared to be a large staircase, holding guns with their chests puffed out. Upon closer inspection, the “staircase” was revealed to be a pile of dead birds. This photograph was taken during a “duck shoot” in 1938, organized by the Maharaja of Bharatpur to welcome Viceroy Lord Linlithgow. On that single day, a staggering 4,273 birds were killed.

Standing at the photo gallery in that museum, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and sorrow. How could such mass devastation of life ever can be celebrated? The image serves as a powerful reminder of how human attitudes toward nature have evolved—or, more importantly, how they must continue to evolve.

In the past, hunting was viewed as a symbol of bravery and adventure. Yet, even among ancient tribal groups, there were rules governing what could be hunted and when. These hunters understood the delicate balance of nature, seeing it not merely as a Resource but also as a Source.

Over time, some of these hunters transitioned into protectors of the forests and animals they once pursued. This transformation in human character is beautifully depicted in the book Tiger Haven, translated by Vishwas Bhave. It narrates the story of Arjan Singh, a hunter who underwent a profound realization. Witnessing the devastation caused by deforestation and hunting, he devoted his life to protecting wildlife. His relentless efforts led to the establishment of Dudhwa Sanctuary, which became a safe haven for tigers.

Arjan Singh’s story reminded me of someone I met in Arunachal Pradesh in 1999—a hunter named Ipra. When we first spoke, he shared tales of his forest trails along with narration about the extraordinary biodiversity he had encountered. Over time, I came to know how Ipra’s outlook had transformed. He began working to protect the Hoolock gibbons, a rare monkey species native to Northeast India. These gibbons follow specific migration routes, but human activity has disrupted their natural trails. Ipra and his friends now assist these animals in navigating the forests safely.

While reading Tiger Heaven, the question repeatedly arose in my mind: how does a person who hunts for sport find the courage to hunt man-eating tigers? By demonstrating such bravery, he attempted to free ordinary people of fear and secure their lives. Later, he realized that tigers became man-eaters as a result of human encroachment into their habitats. This understanding led him to adopt a conservationist perspective and work toward the protection of tigers.

How does such a transformation occur in a person's actions?

How do emotions involve and evolve during such transformation?

And how is this change of heart is being possible?

Humans learn many principles and rules from nature. Through observations made to satisfy hunger, humans gained knowledge of the food chain and food web. This gave rise to the life principle Jivo Jivasya Jeevanam - One Life is the Source for the another, which emerged as a truth guiding existence. When humans understood that every creature in nature plays a crucial role in the functioning of the world, communities adopted a lifestyle that respected all forms of life. In Bhartiya culture, festivals, customs, rules, and rituals have fostered a shared culture between humans and nature.

Both Arjan Singh and Ipra exemplify how people can change their perspectives towards life. They embraced the truth of the ancient saying, "Jeevo Jeevasya Jeevanam"— One Life is the source for the another. Nature is a delicate web where every creature plays a vital role, and it is our shared responsibility to safeguard this balance. Arjan Singh and Ipra demonstrated how people can change their mindsets. They came to understand the profound truth of the ancient saying, "Jeevo Jeevasya Jeevanam"— One Life is the source for the another. Nature is a delicate web in which every creature plays a vital role, and it is our responsibility to protect this balance. By approaching life with respect and responsibility, we can protect not only the environment but also our future.

However, over the past two to three centuries, increasing population, rising needs, industrialization, and modernization have cultivated a consumerist materialistic mindset in humans—one that has evolved from "Needs to Greed."

This shift in attitude has limited people's understanding of the Truth of Jivo Jivasya Jeevanam- One Life is the Source for the another i.e Every Life Sustains Another. Accepting a half-truth as the whole truth, people argue that it is their right to eat any living creature on Earth, claiming that all creatures exist for their consumption because the principle says, Jivo Jivasya Jeevanam.

Such arguments limit their understanding and thoughts to Jivo Jivasya Bhojanam- One life is food for the another. However, those who fully comprehend this principle see it from a different perspective. They think, "It is my responsibility to protect every creature in nature. Only by fulfilling this responsibility properly the food chain be safeguarded, ensuring the balance of life on Earth."

This kind of thinking comes only from someone who adopts the role of a protector or nurturer rather than a consumer. This is because they possess an accurate understanding of the role of humans with the principle of truth: Jivo Jivasya Jeevanam i.e Harmony of Interconnected Lives.

This shift in attitude expands their actions from

"Protection to Nurturing and Nurturing to Non-violence."

The stories of Arjan Singh, Ipra, and many others not only inspire us to rethink our relationship with nature but also encourage us to reflect on the attitudinal changes in the human persona and his role and approach to life.

Human beings are inherently transformative,

capable of evolving through shifts in attitude.

The power to connect with nature, engage with society, and

 conscious habit to reflect on these connections

leading to responsive actions

enables humans to alter their attitudes and life values.

As a Bhartiya,

We firmly believe in the transformative potential of individuals—

a belief exemplified in the journey from "Valya" to "Sage Valmiki,"

symbolizing a profound Path towards Truth.

 

Prashant Divekar

Jnana Prabodhini, Pune

(Translated by Madhav Bhagwat)

To read original Marathi article जीवो जीवस्य जीवनम  

https://prashantpd.blogspot.com/2021/04/blog-post_29.html