Water as Philosophical Part of Life

In the historical perspective the civilization and culture of the land of India emerges as an inseparable and harmonious existence with nature. Our ancient texts, better known as scriptures, reverently relate existence to both inanimate and animate nature. By relevance, both flora and fauna of nature are thought of as sustaining entities of a healthy ecosystem. The cultural heritage of this country has many proofs of conservation of water and forests. Ancient Indian scriptures often emphasize the harmony between human life and nature.

“Strengthen me! Let the whole creation regard me as a friend, I also regard the whole creation as a friend. Let us know each other with the eyes of friendship” (Yajurveda, 36.18). Ancient Indian literature emphasizes conscious understanding of nature and natural processes. Perhaps a very philosophical ideology whose correct understanding can be achieved through skills and efforts. Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, epics and scholarly writings like ‘Mayurachitraka', ‘Bhiratha Samhita' are sources of scientific and natural knowledge. Just as defective behavior makes mother earth and father atmosphere pugnacious and wicked; a responsible behavior not only makes notable progeny but also, we are never deprived of the full blessings of our parents – this was the ancient Indian idea. Each of the natural forces is associated with a deity worshiped for various reasons. Maybe these days most of them are just prejudices. But the underlying scientific reasons make these mythical characters alive suddenly. Indra and Varuna are such names associated with the element water. 

The Rigveda Suktas highlight water as the 'jewel of the earth' or say that the earth is 'blessed with an abundance of water'. The importance and quantity of water in the structure of the body, as in the outer world, has given water a unique place. About seventy-two percent of the human body is made up of water and three-quarters of the entire earth is water. That is why water is synonymous with life.

Water and hydrology figure prominently in the Vedas, Upanishads and other ancient literature. Water is the greatest and largest element in the theory of five-element configuration (Panchamahatattva). Water is worshiped in all four Vedas for its life-giving qualities. The Rigveda dedicates several verses in praise of water, ‘the embodiment of self-awareness’. It is refreshing to hear the ancient nicknames of water, such as 'Source of Life', 'Saver of the Earth', 'Environment preserver', 'Nectar', 'Honey', 'Prosperity', 'Purifier', 'Sin Destroyer', etc. Water is the first element in the Panchamahattva from which the evolution of the universe has evolved in stages. And so, water is only shelter and necessity of all living beings. 'Divya Jal' is a symbolic water which includes 'shitam' (cool to touch), 'shuchihi' (pure), 'shivam' (full of essential minerals and elements), 'istham' (clear) and 'vimalam lahu sadgunam' (acid- alkali balanced) - has these five characteristics. The fame of water as the divine drink of the king of gods, Indra, is also among the other gods (Rigveda, 7.47.1). 

According to the Taittiriya Upanishad, 'from the cosmic entity is the origin of space, from space to air, from air to fire, from fire to water, from water to earth, from earth to plants, from plants to food, from food to vigor, from vigor to man'. 'Earth from water' - this makes it clear that the primordial state of the universe originated from water.  In philosophical reasoning, water pervades everything and everything that pervades is water (Chandogya Upanishad, 7.10.1).