This Lecture was delivered recently in a National Seminar on Man-Nature Relationship in GURU NANAK DEV University, Amritsar. The Sikh View of Man-Nature Relationship and Environmental Ethics is presented. I wonder why the Original Gurbani Quotes in Gurmukhi Fonts do not appear in PPP.
This is a brief presentation on the fundamental question 'Is there a Creator?' and this presentation was given in IIIT-Delhi keeping views from different religions, philosophers and scientists.
The Teachings of Central Asian Thinkers on the Formation of Personal Ecologic...YogeshIJTSRD
The article examines the philosophical views and teachings of Central Asian thinkers on the formation of the ecological culture of the individual. Islamic teachings also pay special attention to the ontological problems of the ecological worldview, ie the question of the origin of nature. The article provides an in depth analysis of important scientific data that enrich the individuals ecological outlook. The author provides an opportunity to scientifically study the ecological culture of the individual and the role of religious values in it. Kilichov Feruzbek "The Teachings of Central Asian Thinkers on the Formation of Personal Ecological Culture" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-4 , June 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.compapers/ijtsrd41165.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.comhumanities-and-the-arts/philosophy/41165/the-teachings-of-central-asian-thinkers-on-the-formation-of-personal-ecological-culture/kilichov-feruzbek
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
This is a brief presentation on the fundamental question 'Is there a Creator?' and this presentation was given in IIIT-Delhi keeping views from different religions, philosophers and scientists.
The Teachings of Central Asian Thinkers on the Formation of Personal Ecologic...YogeshIJTSRD
The article examines the philosophical views and teachings of Central Asian thinkers on the formation of the ecological culture of the individual. Islamic teachings also pay special attention to the ontological problems of the ecological worldview, ie the question of the origin of nature. The article provides an in depth analysis of important scientific data that enrich the individuals ecological outlook. The author provides an opportunity to scientifically study the ecological culture of the individual and the role of religious values in it. Kilichov Feruzbek "The Teachings of Central Asian Thinkers on the Formation of Personal Ecological Culture" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-4 , June 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.compapers/ijtsrd41165.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.comhumanities-and-the-arts/philosophy/41165/the-teachings-of-central-asian-thinkers-on-the-formation-of-personal-ecological-culture/kilichov-feruzbek
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo harbors a greater variety of plant and animal species than any other region in Africa. The area is home to the world's last mountain gorillas, as well as hippos and numerous bird species. Nature provides a source of income for local communities: they derive income from increasing eco-tourism activities, and 50,000 people in the region obtain clean water and fish from the ecosystems in the park.
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo harbors a greater variety of plant and animal species than any other region in Africa. The area is home to the world's last mountain gorillas, as well as hippos and numerous bird species. Nature provides a source of income for local communities: they derive income from increasing eco-tourism activities, and 50,000 people in the region obtain clean water and fish from the ecosystems in the park.
a short presentation about different ciphers and codes used in time.Included are ciphers used from the romans in the ancient time and going on to our days.Hope you like it.
The topic on man and nature is one that has been discussed over the centuries. This topic has caught the attention of many scholars that come from many diverse field of specialization. As an appreciation to the great contribution of nature to the human survival, some have equated nature to God. Since the two are synonymous to them, they worship nature alongside with God. Others thought that nature is an obstacle to the human lives and men need to conquer and prevail over nature. In the light of these two extreme positions, this paper intends to explore and investigate the relationship between man and nature from the Islamic perspective. Apart from that, this paper would like to find out as to why the Muslim community is not paying due attention to the conservation and preservation of nature at a time when there is a serious call made by others to stop the ongoing environmental degradation that is happening all over the world. It is hoped that an investigation of this nature would bring to light as to what should be the ideal relationship of man with nature from the Islamic perspective.
What is man? This lesson begins the exploration of the nature of man, by examining Jesus. We see in Jesus the same as us: the body, soul (life), inner man, and spirit.
Human Nature- Powerpoint (Final Assesment) blazegirl
This is a powerpoint focusing on the nature of mankind. It was our final assesment on the Unit of Human NAture (Unit 1). The interview videos are on seperate posts as it is too large to put in one. :)
Spinoza's Pantheism in On the Beach at Night AloneAryaRKrishnan4
Here is a presentation on Spinoza—idea of Nature and God—Pantheism—
concept of substance and modes—Cartesian dualism vs Spinoza‘s monism and a pantheistic reading of Walt Whitman's ―On the Beach at Night Alone.
A Contrast of the Mystical Elements of Buddism, Taoism, Judaism, and Christia...David Grinstead, MA
There are certain general characteristics of mysticism that are shared by Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, and Christianity. This common ground is a unifying principle that positions the Divine in the midst of all genuine mystical experiences.
Evoation of Homo Eruditus (The paradigm shift of Darwin's theory of evolution...ALIBEATZ
Did God create Adam using the DNA of evolved prehistoric humans, incorporated in clay matter via sound frequency waves?
Yes, we might be on the brink of revolutionising the understanding of how humans came about on Earth and changing the theistic view of Evolution theory.
Introduction
I would like to put forward an opinion/theory concerning human evolution and the creation of Adam (as) by Allah (God) that will radically change the worldview.
As this is one topic that confuses people, be they an atheist or Muslims, or even one who believes in God in other religions.
I am a born Muslim, had tried to comprehend scientists understanding of Human Evolution who have great evidence for this theory. And the fact in the Quran, Hadiths and the understanding of Muslims that Adam (as) was miraculous creation by Allah.
I will also look into the post-Adam (as) era whereby, how different ancient worlds with their creation stories and religions aline with the Quran and sunnah, as well as a modern-day scientific explanation of the Universe which will give some support to my theory.
I will also put forward some solutions to current world/scientific problems from the research conducted. This will include restructuring the global order to better fit the purpose of mankind by the way of science, reason, the Quran and Sunnah. For a miracle to happen you need to prepare the grounds.
If we can solve the mysteries of the past, we can solve the problems of the present and future.
The main argument I want to propose within this article is as follows:
I am arguing that the Ardh (earth) which Allah used to create Adam (as), had the initial ingredients Cells/DNA of the Evolved Humans (homo sapiens) throughout history. Which led to the formation of the Human body.
Without Human Evolution there will be no Adam.
Please go through the presentation and share.
Thank You.
THE CONCEPT OF EZE CHUKWU OKIKE ABIAMA IN UGBENE-AJIMAChiemeka Utazi
Every African society has beliefs, ideas and teachings that emphasise the existence of a Supreme Being. These beliefs and ideas although theocentric at any level, are found to be original with the African; although these may differ from one society to another and from one shrine to another, the underlying concept is one - D. Massiasta, “Indigenous African Religion
THE CONCETHE CONCEPT OF AN OMNIPOTENT GOD IN AFRICA (THE IGBO TRADITIONS)PT O...Chiemeka Utazi
Every African society has beliefs, ideas and teachings that emphasise the existence of a Supreme Being. These beliefs and ideas although theocentric at any level, are found to be original with the African; although these may differ from one society to another and from one shrine to another, the underlying concept is one - D. Massiasta, Indigenous African Religion.
Examples of Harappan SealsGreat Bath at Mohe.docxgitagrimston
Examples of Harappan Seals
Great Bath at Mohenjo Daro
Hinduism: What’s in a Name?
“Hinduism” is a name applied to the diverse religious practices of non-Muslim Indians by the English in the 18th century. Today, there are approximately 900 million people who practice Hinduism. But there is not a universally accepted doctrine of this religion, nor are there universally observed practices among them.
Two Concerns (among others) of HindusPurification: this is sometimes sought out through sacrifice and through meditation and yoga, but most commonly through ritual bathing.Liberation: this is the overarching goal of a Hindu’s life, release (moksha) from the cycle of reincarnation (samsara).
Hindu Theology
There are literally thousands of Hindu deities and demigods, found throughout the natural world. Hindu cosmology refers to the absolute in terms that are sometimes personalized and sometimes not. Personalism is the pattern of representing the absolute as divine persons, beings with the traits and characteristics normally associated with human persons (e.g., embodiment, emotions, mental functions like thinking and willing).Pantheism: the idea that the sacred or the divine is present in everything. Everything, every piece of the world, is god, a manifestation of the absolute. Henotheism: similar to monotheism, but one god is selected for worship from a larger group.
Three Approaches to HinduismVedic: worship centers on sacrifice to the gods as a way of maintaining the balance of the cosmos (rita: “the proper course of things”). This form of Hinduism was developed and practiced in antiquity, up to about the middle of the first millennium b.c.e. It involved large-scale public sacrifices performed by priests; over time the performance of private sacrifice by heads of households within homes became more widespread. Yogic: a more philosophical approach, in which yoga and meditation play a large role. Here the individual person is thought of as the sacrifice, purifying themselves through deeper understanding of themselves and the world. Asceticism (renunciation of worldly goods and pleasures – e.g., fasting) is also a part of this approach to Hinduism. These practices were developed beginning in the middle of the first millennium b.c.e. During this period the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali were composed. Puranic: devotional worship (Bhakti) of individual gods or goddesses is practiced, including the tending of altars with offerings to deities and large public festivals. This form of Hinduism begins to develop during the last two or three centuries b.c.e. It was at this time that the texts known as Puranas were written. These texts contain stories about the gods and goddesses of the Puranic pantheon (a different set than the Vedic pantheon). Today it is the most widely followed form of Hinduism in the world. It is often called simply Bhakti or devotional Hinduism.
Three Paths (margas) to LiberationYajna: salvation gaine ...
This Lecture was delivered on Science Day celebrations held in SUS College of Engg. & Technology, Tangori. It covers problems of Science education in India at School level, with particular reference to Punjab state. Problems are highlighted but no simple solutions are offered by theAuthors contributions are
Most Scientists Use Chemical Route for Fabrication of Nanomaterials. We also used this route for Nanotechnology.
Reverse Micelle, Hydrothermal, Solvothermal and Co-Precipitation methods are discussed.
Lecture Presented at Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) Conference held at GND University held at Amritsar 2oo9. It deals with Ion Tracks Route to Nanotechnology.
Ion Tracks are very Fascinating for both Theoretical and Applied areas of Research. We have used Ion Tracks as a route to nanotechnology, creating Devices known as Ion Track Filters or Membranes.
It is a Lecture based on MY ESSAY published in MY Book "Scientific Vision in Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Interfaith Dialogue. A comparison of Cosmological Ideas in Religion and Science is made based on Big Bang Model.
Phosphors are materials useful for TL Dosimeters. SK Omanwar made a major contribution to this Paper presented at Nanoscience Conference held in Lucknow University on 21-23 Dec. 2013.
We proposed Single Activation Energy Model for Radiation Damage in SSNTDs, including most of Insulators, for example, Glasses, Polymers and Mineral Crystals. My Ph.D. Scholars,SK Modgil, RK Bhatia, and Gurinder Singh made major contributions in improving this model.
Ion tracks technology proved to be a precursor to Nanotechnology; a technique used in our Laboratory for almost 25 years, with collaboration of GSI, Darmstadt, Germany.
Puran Singh was a great Scientist, Poet and Philosopher, who went to study in Tokyo university (1900-03) at the age of 19. He was a revolutionary in Japan, became a Buddhist, then a Vedanti and returned to Sikhi in a big way. He created new paradigms in Punjabi Literature and deserved a Nobel Prize but he was not sponsored by any Sikh organization! This Lecture was delivered in GND University, Amritsar on 29th January, 2014.
More from Eternal University Baru Sahib, HP, India (20)
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
1. Man-Nature Relationship: The Sikh
Perspective
Hardev Singh Virk
Visiting Professor, SGGS World
University, Fatehgarh Sahib
2. Origin of Term Nature
• The term "nature" comes from nasci (from the
Latin meaning to be born). The Greek for nature
is phusis from phuomai (meaning to grow or
increase in size). It would be etymologically
correct to use the term physics in the place of
nature except that, in modern science, physics is
the term used to describe the study of this
world's laws by applying mathematical logic. We
therefore prefer to use the term nature despite
the fact that it has many different meanings.
3. Introduction
• The man–nature relationship has always been
ambiguous, nature being seen as both a provider
and an enemy. In the Judeo-Christian tradition,
man is set apart from nature and called to
dominate it. Oriental religions, on the other hand,
have a more holistic view and consider humans
as an integral part of nature. Modern
philosophers have views ranging from
anthropocentrism to biocentrism and
ecocentrism.
4. What is Nature?
• According to A.N. Whitehead: “Nature is that
which we observe in perception through the
senses. In this sense perception we are aware of
something which is not thought and which is self-
contained for thought. This property of being
self-contained for thought lies at the base of
natural science. It means that nature can be
thought of as a closed system whose mutual
relations do not require the expression of the fact
that they are thought about. Thus in a sense,
nature is independent of thought”.
5. Role of Nature in Science
• The concept of nature has played a predominant
role in science and religion since ancient times.
Plato and Aristotle elaborated the Greek thought
regarding the fundamental question: What is
nature made of?
• Plato asserts that nature is made of fire and earth
with air and water as intermediate between
them, so that ‘as fire is to air so is air to water,
and as air is to water so is water to earth’. This is
the origin of so called four element theory of
Greeks. Later on Ether was added as the fifth
element.
6. • Earth, water, air, fire and ether are related in
direct succession and form the ultimate substrata
of nature.
• Matter, Space and Time are also now known to
be composites of nature.
• Thus in Greek philosophy, the search for the
ultimate entities and their relationship became
the corner stone for the study of nature. This
search is the origin of science.
• In fact, before classification of science into
different branches, the study of natural
phenomenon was called natural science or
natural philosophy.
7. Role of Nature in Religion
• Primitive religions originated in early humankind's
contact with nature. From the imbalance between its
own power and that of the natural elements, primitive
humankind gained a sense of the existence of a reality
which transcended this world, and was brought into
contact with the sacred. It is useful to point out here
that this first step in the emergence of Homo religiosus
gave rise to humankind's sense of dependency.
Religions and ancient beliefs stem from nature, which
is why they are classified under the term naturalism:
animism, totemism and chamanism, etc.
8. Judeo-Christian Tradition: Genesis
• Genesis says that, (I–11), on the second day, God
created the herbs and the trees that bear seed
and fruit, on the fourth (I–20), the creeping
creatures and the fowl, on the fifth (I–24–25), the
beasts of the earth according to their kinds, cattle
and creeping things. Then God said (I–26) ‘Let us
make man to our image and likeness; and let him
have dominion over the fishes of the sea and the
fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole
earth, and every creeping creature...’.
9. Exploitation of Nature in the West
• According to Francis Bacon, we must subdue
nature, penetrate its secrets and chain it to
satisfy our desires. Man is the center of the
world and the object of science is to dominate
nature. The same idea was taken up by
Descartes who stated that we should use
science to make us ‘masters and possessors of
nature’.
10. Nature in Sikh Perspective
• The Sikh scriptural portrayal of natural
phenomena is not just to marvel at;
knowledge is not just for the sake of academic
goals; scientific discoveries are not just for our
material welfare. Rather, it places special
possibilities and moral responsibilities on each
one of us. Planet earth is “the home for
righteous action (dharamsal)" (Japuji: 34). The
Sikh scripture, however, upholds definite
moral and spiritual goals.
11. Stress on our Common Heritage
• Guru Granth stresses that we share our cosmos
with infinite species — “andaj jeraj, setaj utbhuj,
i.e., those born from egg, fetus, sweat, and
earth.” The knowledge that we all evolved from
the same matrix, that we all share the same
elements, breaks our sense of dominance over
other species (anthropocentricism), and
inculcates the values of concern, justice,
compassion, and love — for all natural
phenomena — alike. The Sikh scripture makes us
sensitive to our larger family, and mandates we
work towards forging constructive relationships.
12. Concept of Nature in Sri Guru Granth
Sahib
• Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion, was
fully aware of the ancient Indian thought and
its implications concerning nature. He had first
hand knowledge of both Hindu and Muslim
viewpoints about nature. Surprisingly, Guru
Nanak opted for Arabic term ‘qudret’ for
nature in comparison to Sanskrit term
‘prakriti’ which occurs in Samkya school of
Indian philosophy.
13. Concept of Purusa and Parkriti
• The concept of purusa and parkriti is
cornerstone of Indian philosophy. Broadly
speaking, Samkhya dualism4 of purusa and
prakriti may be compared with Cartesian dualism
of subject and object which has dominated the
western thought. Samkhya divides all things into
two categories: (a) things which possess
consciousness (chetan), (b) things which are
unconscious (jada) are objects of consciousness.
The totality of jada things is called prakriti
(nature).
14. Hindu Viewpoint
• According to the Hindu view, matter is eternal
and purusa (creator) has always been
independent of God. It is the purusa who rules
prakriti and creates the universe. The ultimate
constituents of which prakriti is composed are
gunas which are three in number; sattva, rajas
and tamas. According to Kapur Singh, Guru
Nanak has abandoned the term prakirti while
retaining the term purusa in his description of
nature, after noting the dualism of Hindu
philosophy.
15. Guru Nanak replaced prakriti with
qudret for Nature
• According to Kapur Singh, Guru Nanak
employed the Arabic term qudret as the
second term of the dualism, with Purukh as
the first. Qudret means “that under the power
and authority of its Master”. In Quran, al-
Qadir as one of the attributes of God is
distinguishable from another attribute, al-
Khaliq, which means the creator. Guru Nanak
includes both these attributes of God in his
use of the term, qudret for nature.
16. Who created Nature?
• According to Guru Nanak, God first created Himself
and then at a second stage of creation shaped qudret
(nature) out of his own goodwill to enjoy the
creation process:
• The universal self (God) created the individual self,
He Himself created the differentiating names.
Thus Nature hath He created as the ‘other’,
And depositing Himself therein.
He contemplates on Nature.
• AwpInY Awpu swijE AwpInY ricE nwau ]
duXI kudriq swjIAY kir Awsxu ifTo cwau ]
17. Guru Nanak’s Eulogy on qudret
(nature)
• In Rag Asa, Guru Nanak has written a long
beautiful shabad eulogizing qudret in its
various manifestations as revealed through
the creation process. In fact, God not only
plays the role of creator but also reveller and
sustainer of creation through qudret (nature).
It represents the most comprehensive Sikh
perspective about Nature in its manifest form.
19. • Nature we see; Nature we hear,
• Nature we observe with awe, wonder and joy
• Nature in the nether regions; Nature in the skies
• Nature in the whole creation…
• Nature in species, kinds, colours; Nature in life
forms
• Nature in good deeds; Nature in pride and in ego
• Nature in air, water and fire; Nature in the soil of
the earth
• All nature is yours, O powerful Creator
• You command it, observe it and pervade within it.
20. • Nature, like God, is also limitless and beyond
comprehension. The abode of God is nature
itself:
• Glory to Thee who dwelleth in Nature,
Infinite and Eternal, Thy limits and frontiers are
unknowable.
bilhwrI kudriq visAw]qyrw AMqu n
jweI liKAw]
Guru Nanak rejects the Vedantic concept that the
created world and nature in all its manifestations
is maya, a mere illusion, and only God is real.
• O true lord, Thy created Nature is real.
scI qyrI kudriq scy pwiqswh]
21. Human versus other Species
• In comparison with Judeo-Christian tradition,
Sikh tradition allows predominant role of
human to rule over other species keeping in
view the harmony of nature and its diversity:
Avr j]in t[rI pinharI .
iesu WrtI mih t[rI iskwarI .
22. Nature – God Relationship
The study of nature has been given the highest priority
in Gurbani. Guru Nanak has identified the manifest
reality or God with Nature:
• “Nanak, the beneficent Lord alone is true,
He is revealed through His Nature”.
nwnk sc dwqwru isnwKq kudrqI ]
God is the creator of Nature and He is fully involved
and absorbed in Nature:
• “God creates Nature and alone He contemplates it”
Awpy kudriq swij kY Awpy kry
bIcwru ]
23. • It is also emphasized in Gurbani that God or the
creator can be realized by man in his own body
through Nature:
• “He who has created the world in which
He abides as Immanent,
That Lord may be recognized through Nature.
He is not to be regarded as wholly Transcendent;
His voice can be heard in every heart”.
• ijin jgu isrij smwieAw so swihbu kudriq
jwxovw ] scVw dUir n BwlIAY Git Git sbdu
pCwxovw ]
24. Conclusion
• We may conclude that Guru Nanak’s vision of
Nature is far more comprehensive than his
predecessors both in the East and the West. It is
holistic vision. Guru Nanak’s mission was to
create an ideal society of Gurmukhs (guru-
oriented personalities) where man can live in
tune with nature. The message of Guru Nanak
and his vision of nature need to be broadcast to
the modern man in search of ecological balance
and craving for inner peace.