The world of plants preaches a unique gospel. It expresses not only the beauty but the thoughts of God’s creation, with no intent of its own, and without deviation. Trees in particular are mysterious and seem to me to be direct embodiments of the incomprehensible meaning of life. In the woods I feel close to my inner self, and the deepest meaning is revealed with awe-inspiring workings.

Down below when I look at the rocks, they impose an impression and enforce upon me an idea of the infinity of the cosmos. They spontaneously permit me to peep into the secrets of the universe, which helps to reveal the secrets of the whole.

Whenever I cannot judge the meaning and meaninglessness of impersonal purpose and mechanical law, which are both wrapped in the kingdom of rocks, I dimly feel my kinship, and with a little bit of effort it gives me joy to know the divine nature in both the dead and living matter.

Sometimes I feel with all my being as though a breath of the infinite world of stars and endless space had touched me. When I bathe in sunlight with the winds and clouds moving over me, my being becomes exalted. When the gentle rain comes down with its rhythmic music, I feel as though thundering clouds were trumpeting the drums of delight. The soft green and fragrant winds are eagerly waiting to make an aristocrat of my life, forgetting that I am a traveller on the path of light. It is wonderful to be unsystematic with intention, to be an irresponsible boy jumping in joy, playing with toys, and then resting in the lap of mother nature, where there are no dreams.

Editor’s note

This is an excerpt from Love Whispers by Swami Rama, Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A., 1986.