Prayer to Mother Earth
This prayer teaches me that, like us, Mother Earth emanates from “the eternal heaven.” Like ours, her heart “abides in the eternal heaven” and is “enveloped in Truth.” And since she carries the inherent radiance and strength of the Truth within her, she cannot help but share all of this radiance with all of the life that depends on her.
In the same way I understand that I can share with the earth my own part of the Truth and my own radiance—through my love, gratitude, respect, and reverence for her. I love to see these connections rippling through everything, to momentarily feel that everything is all one glorious matrix—the earth, the sky, the heavens—all emanating from, belonging to, and ever returning to the highest realms of Reality through the light of grace.
Ludlow, United Kingdom
This beautiful Vedic prayer resonates deep within my heart. Recently while on a trip to the Peruvian Amazon, I experienced a profound immersion in the truth that this prayer imparts. Surrounded by the deep green of the rainforest and next to the powerful flow of the river, I could feel Mother Earth’s steady, life-giving heartbeat.
When I witnessed people in the local communities—whose lives are an ongoing act of reverence to Mother Earth as their primal source of sustenance—I experienced a powerful confirmation of the Earth’s divine supportive energy all around me. Contemplation of this connection with Mother Earth reminds me to live with the awareness that all of creation, visible and invisible, is infused with divine consciousness, from the smallest natural element to the vastness of the universe itself.
I offer my deep respect and gratitude to Mother Earth for being an eternal source of nourishment and strength.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
When I started thinking about everything Mother Earth gives in order to keep me alive, I became more quiet and humble. I reflected on how everything—absolutely everything!— comes from Mother Earth, including energy, food, clothing, and the company of nature and animals. With heartfelt gratitude, I mentally embraced Mother Earth with a warm hug. Then I closed my eyes and sank into a feeling of deep peace.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
As I immerse myself in this prayer, I feel within me the power of Mother Earth, which expresses such qualities as radiance, strength, abundance, purity, and prosperity.
Rodez, France
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
Washington, United States
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
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
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Just amazing!
Milan, Italy
Marval, France
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
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
St. Laurent, Canada