Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga: A Devotional Offering
ISKCON Mayapur joyfully presents “Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga”—a heartfelt visual and meditative offering designed to reconnect hearts with the sacred natural world of Sri Mayapur Dhama. Featuring over 500 breathtaking images of local flora and fauna, accompanied by spiritual insights from Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, this offering invites viewers to see nature through the lens of Krishna consciousness. As part of the ‘CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama’ project, it encourages us to perceive and remember the Lord in every aspect of creation—promoting mindful devotion, compassionate living, and a deep spiritual bond with Mother Earth as an expression of our bhakti.
Srila Prabhupada said, “Simply by remembering this picture, that is perfection. Because we need to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. We should constantly think of Kṛṣṇa. If you think of Him in any way, that is your perfection.” (Lecture – December 1, 1968, Los Angeles). This profound instruction forms the foundation of the ‘Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga’ initiative. It invites devotees to see nature as Krishna’s sacred footprint—guiding our hearts deeper into remembrance, gratitude, and loving service to the Lord.
Inspiring Meditation Through Nature
Each image—whether a blooming lotus, the fleeting flight of a bird, or sunlight dancing through the trees—becomes a gateway to meditation. These moments in nature remind us that Krishna is the original artist, and that the creation itself is one of His divine expressions. Just as devotees meditate on Krishna’s form, we can also learn to respect and honor the beauty around us, recognizing it as sacred.
Kṛṣṇa’s Divine Form in Nature’s Elements
Nature, in all its splendor, reflects the spiritual qualities of Krishna’s own transcendental body. “What they call beautiful nature is but His smile…What they call the sweet songs of the birds are but specimens of the whispering voice of the Lord.” (SB 1.11.26 Purport)
Revealing Nature’s Role in Krishna’s Pastimes
Vedic scriptures beautifully portray how forests, rivers, animals, and hills become active participants in the Lord’s transcendental pastimes. Whether it is Krishna’s worship of Govardhan Hill or Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic travels through the forests of Jhārikhaṇḍa, nature serves as a sacred stage for divine lila. This project encourages devotees to rediscover these spiritual connections and to recognize biodiversity and harmonious living as integral expressions of Vedic culture and Krishna consciousness.
Promoting Ahimsa and Compassion for All Living Beings
In Bhagavad-gītā 15.7, Lord Krishna declares: “The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts.” This vision of spiritual unity lies at the heart of the Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga project—encouraging the practice of ahimsa (non-violence) and deeper compassion, not only toward fellow humans but also toward plants, birds, insects, and animals.
Bhakti Begins at Home: A Devotional Call to Honor Mother Earth
Krishna assures us, “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I will accept it.” (BG 9.26) Inspired by these words, we invite devotees worldwide to express their bhakti through care, respect, and a lifestyle harmonious with Mother Earth. Plant a tree, grow flowers for your Deities, walk through a forest while chanting the holy names, pause to appreciate a bird’s song or the breeze through the trees. These simple, mindful acts become beautiful offerings of love and devotion to Krishna—honoring His creation while strengthening our connection with Him.
Caring for Mother Earth is an expression of our bhakti. Every tree, every flower, every gentle breeze is a reminder of Krishna’s loving presence. When we engage with nature in a spirit of devotion, we not only help protect the environment — we also deepen our relationship with Him.
A Prayer for Sacred Connection
As described in The Nectar of Devotion: “Every part of Kṛṣṇa’s body was so soft that even at the touch of newly grown leaves, the color of the touched part of His skin would change.” (NOD 26) Let us pray that every time we touch a new leaf, we remember Krishna and feel inspired to serve Him by caring for His sacred creation. May this awareness keep us grounded in loving devotion and forever sheltered at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His eternal abode — Sri Mayapur Dhama.
Support this Initiative
We warmly invite you to share your feedback and suggestions to help us enhance the “CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama” project by clicking here. We are grateful for your support in spreading this initiative among your friends, family, and congregation, creating a valuable opportunity for devotees worldwide to experience the mercy of Sri Mayapur-dhama. Your generosity and encouragement are essential to the success and growth of this project. If you feel inspired to contribute, please click the donate link.
By Nandan Dasa, Mayapur Master Plan Office