“Air is the Guru, Water the Father, and the Earth is the Great Mother”

(Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p.146)

This quote gives us an initial glimpse at the importance of the elements and especially of the Earth as our common Mother. The Gurus have taught the importance of protecting the Earth and all Creation as manifestations of the Creator:

"The Creator created Himself…… And created all creation in which He is manifest. You Yourself the bumble-bee, flower, fruit and the tree. You Yourself the water, desert, ocean and the pond. You Yourself the big fish, tortoise and the Cause of causes. Your form can not be known."
Guru Granth Sahib, p. 1016

The divine Creator also provided each species with means of support and nurture. The Sikh scriptures explain that the purpose of human existence is to be in harmony with the Eternal, and by extension, all of Creation. Sikhism also teaches to be mindful and to not consume lavishly, as spirituality is also a liberation from material constraints and attractions.  

The Sikh Gurus serve as examples of living in harmony with the environment. For example, when Guru Har Rai (the 7th Guru) developed the town of Kiratpur Sahib, he laid out many gardens and parks and planted flowers and fruit trees that attract birds. Because of his sensitivity for nature and animals, the day of Guru Har Rai’s enthronement also marks Sikh Environment Day, celebrated each year on March 14.

Especially the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasised that the world around us is always a reflection of our own inner state. The current instability of the Earth is therefore a reflection of the instability and pain within humans.