Nine ways to practice AHIMSA in your garden…because every big change starts with something small…
“AHIMSA-PARAMO-DHARMA” means “IT IS OUR SUPREME DUTY NOT TO HARM OTHERS”
Om Amriteswaryai Namah
This past year has been different in so many ways. I would like to share my reflections on the period that has just passed. It has been a time where we have been reminded that like all other creatures on planet Earth, we are vulnerable and at the mercy of Mother Nature. Whilst going about our human lives, we often forget that there is an entire world of life that exists all around us, the insect world.
During the pandemic, I have been focusing on raising awareness of compassion towards the smaller life forms that surround us, like slugs, ants, spiders and mice. They are all little souls too. New research shows they are capable of feeling suffering and some live long lives. I remember reading Amma’s advice that if we caught mice in a kind way and released them far from our homes, that would be the best way. Amma also talked about how all creatures have a purpose and that we should respect all beings.
This article focuses on some of the ways we can deter insects without resorting to harm or death for them. Why? Because they are only trying to get through life on this planet as we all are. Why should we feel that this planet was created for us alone? This seems a very self-centred and egotistical way to think. I urge people to be sensitive and compassionate towards what most consider to be “pests”, because behind each of our actions, there is a reaction, and if we are kind to the smaller creatures, life will in turn be kind back to us. Such actions will form part of our karmic bank.
As the world heals from the pandemic, I cannot think of a better way to bring us all good karma for this new beginning than to show compassion towards smaller creatures. It may seem small, or even laughable, but I propose a system of Good-Karma Gardening and have managed to share with others cruelty-free, safe and environmentally friendly “pest” control tips that are free and use natural ingredients from our homes.
My passion for compassion started through Amma’s grace may years ago. Amma inspired me to be a kinder person, firstly kinder towards myself, then to other humans, then through Amma’s grace I realised how kindness towards animals was important and I adopted a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle.
Later I realised that the insect world too is worthy of our respect, and we should learn to coexist with all creatures great and small. We are also vulnerable, just as tiny insects are. I started with a poster in my window and have now reached over 1 million people worldwide through social media and radio interviews about why it is important to be compassionate to smaller creatures, and how it can have wider benefits helping to shape a more compassionate and understanding society for us all.
I formed a Facebook group called “kindness Guy” to share these tips further. I believe compassion is a subject that should be taught at schools alongside traditional subjects as it is in fact one of the most important qualities to have for all of us. This is something I am proud to have realised and I have our beloved Amma to thank for starting me on this journey of compassion and helping others to open up to it.
Here are my top 9 tips to keep pests away from your plants in a way that is full of compassion towards all creatures. Please share them and share these images with your friends and family on your own social media to help raise awareness of compassion towards all creatures. It will certainly come back to us through good karma and the grace of Amma!
May you be well, happy, healthy and full of compassion for all beings.
Dee & GreenFriends UK
