As a volunteer for Living Dwij, I often return to one simple but powerful truth: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

Each day, I see this truth play out—not just in teachings but in the land beneath my feet, the thickening air around me, and the sorrowful silence of places where rivers once sang. Every summer now feels harsher, almost punishing. The once vibrant winds are laden with dust, and the sky, once a deep, liberating blue, is now muted and tired. But here at Living Dwij, we are taught that outer realities are reflections of inner states.

Param Dwij often reminds us, “If the soil is sick, it’s because our soul is restless. If the air is heavy, it’s because our hearts are weighed down.” We are not separate from the Earth. We are Dwij—born again in awareness and reborn every day through our thoughts, actions, and intentions.

Heat Outside Mirrors the Fire Within

Following Dwij Precept 3: “Master the Inner Climate to Heal the Outer World,” we learn that the rising heat around us is not just a result of carbon emissions, but emotional emissions—of anger, greed, and restlessness. Ayurveda speaks of Pitta, the inner fire, and Living Dwij extends this idea: that emotional pollution manifests as environmental suffering.

We live fast. We consume faster. Convenience trumps conscience. But Param Dwij warns, “Speed without soul leads to decay. Stillness nourishes life.” Mindless consumption becomes mindless destruction. Thus, our first duty as volunteers is Sanyam—restraint. Choosing consciously, living deliberately, pausing before purchasing or polluting.

Pollution Isn’t Just in the Air, It’s in Our Thoughts

Dwij Percept 5 teaches: “Purify your mind, and the world will follow.” Pollution, we are taught, begins with a single toxic thought. A careless word. An apathetic shrug. The rivers run dry because our hearts have run dry of compassion. The Earth we see today is not a punishment; it’s a consequence.

We call her Mother Earth, but how often do we truly honour her? Here at Living Dwij, every act—big or small—is seen as sacred. When we plant trees, it is not an “activity”. It is a prayer in action. When we clean a pond, it is not a “project”. It is penance for our past indifference.

Param Dwij says, “To heal the Earth is to heal yourself. One is not separate from the other.”

A Return to Stillness, a Return to Balance

Living Dwij Values urge us toward Anekanta (respect for multiple perspectives), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Arjava (integrity). Restoring balance isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about micro-actions, done with deep sincerity:

• Walk Barefoot: Reconnect with Bhoomi Devi. Feel the Earth’s pulse under your skin.
• Plant a Life: A sapling today, a sanctuary tomorrow.
• Honour Silence: Fewer words, deeper meaning. Lower volume, higher vibration.
• Buy with Awareness: Every rupee spent shapes the Earth’s tomorrow.
• Meditate Daily: Clear inner pollution before seeking outer solutions.

In Living Dwij circles, we often sit together in silent reflection, simply listening to the sounds of the Earth. It reminds us: we belong to Her, not the other way around.

What We Do to the Earth, We Do to Ourselves

Param Dwij encapsulates it beautifully:

“When you pollute a river, you drink poison. When you cut a forest, you sever your own breath. Heal, and you shall be healed.”

Our mission as Dwij is not to save the planet—because the planet does not need saving. It is to reawaken ourselves to the sacred bond that was never meant to be broken. The Earth is not merely a physical mass of soil, rock, and water. She is Soul—ancient, wise, patient. And she is waiting not for our pity but for our return.

Living Dwij isn’t just a movement; it’s a remembrance. Of our roots. Of our responsibilities. Of our sacred place in the great circle of life. By surrendering our ego, embracing simplicity, and embodying compassion, we become true Dwij: Born Again in Consciousness.