Prayer to Mother Earth

When I think of Mother Earth, I sometimes see before my eyes a nice landscape, and sometimes this beautiful blue planet as depicted in photos from space.
 
But when I read the words “whose heart abides in the eternal heaven and is enveloped in Truth and immortality,” I am quite amazed. This prayer is teaching me that Mother Earth is a living, splendid, glorious being—much more than the visible planet, much more than I am aware of in my daily routine and with all the devices and useful utensils around me, and even much more than the seasons, food, and growth—and that I can not only live upon her, but also speak to her, invoke her, and pray to her. I had read this prayer before without contemplating it further, but right now I am in awe.
 
And so I pray: “O Mother Earth, may we recognize you. May you see unity, harmony, and peace within and all around your precious body. May you be free and happy.”
 

For the last three days during my morning yoga stretches, I’ve ended in the posture of shavasana, invoking the presence of Mother Earth. I feel her warm, loving embrace support my entire being as I pray for her nurturing, healing grace. Surrendering to her powerful and unconditional love fills me with a sweet, peaceful joy.
 
So I was delighted to see this prayer from the Atharva Veda today, affirming my new morning practice. My heart overflows with love and gratitude.

This prayer invites me to bow before Mother Earth.
 
Once, while watching a documentary, I was amazed to see people who live near a volcano making pilgrimages and offerings to the volcano. They thanked the volcano for giving their land rich minerals and asked for its protection.
 
This prayer reminds me that during my day, I too can recognize all that Mother Earth does for me. And I can start by simply noticing that all the animate beings and inanimate objects around me come from her very being. With that recognition comes profound respect.
 

What a beautiful prayer! I read it over and over again, and I feel my heart resonate with the essence of Mother Earth. The photo of this rare and magnificent tree fills me with tenderness and gratitude. I am grateful for this reminder that we are part of Mother Earth!
 

While reading this moving prayer, I had a surprising revelation. A few years ago I created a painting of Mother Earth falling into the ocean, believing this was “just” my imagination. Then I read these lines from the prayer: “May Mother Earth, who was once submerged in the waters of the ocean and discovered by the sages through their wondrous powers...”
 
Just amazing!