Many of us (especially from India) have the habit of plucking flowers from public gardens or from the roadside to offer to the deities. Many people even carry bags during their morning walk to collect flowers they have plucked from public gardens, the roadside flower trees or even the gardens of their own housing societies. Although it may look like a harmless habit, but unfortunately it is not.
What’s Wrong With Plucking Flowers?
Plucking of flowers is not only an extremely selfish habit which takes away from the beauty of flowers, but also, more importantly, deprives bees, butterflies and other crucial pollinating insects of their food.
You might know that bees and butterflies are dependent on the nectar of flowers for their food. Without drinking the nectar of flowers these beneficial insects will die. Their species already is under severe threat of extinction around the world due to the frequent use of pesticides. It is the reason why many farmers are now having to perform pollination of fruit trees by hand.
What About Offerings to God?
It is a false belief that God will be pleased with our devotion when we offer flowers that we have plucked, but in reality, it is a bad karma of depriving all these creatures of their food. Doing this, we are also reinforcing the habit of selfishness and greed. Worshiping God with flowers plucked in this way will therefore is pointless.
God does not need to be flattered with worship and offerings (of flowers, sweets, incense, money etc.). Chanting of God’s name is meaningful only when one is engaged in beautifying and developing His Garden, this Universe (via Karma Yoga – selfless actions done for the well-being and benefit of others).
You can instead offer tulsi leaves which have fallen naturally near the plant or market bought flowers. Flowers purchased from the market are specially grown for worship purposes and by purchasing them we will be helping both the farmers and the bee species.
Like we discussed, flowers play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. They serve as a food source for insects, birds, and other animals. Plucking flowers disrupts this natural balance and can have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Flowers are the reproductive organs of plants. By removing flowers, you prevent plants from producing seeds or fruits, which are essential for their survival and propagation. Over time, this can lead to a decline in plant populations and even the loss of certain species.
Flowers are often cultivated and maintained for their beauty and visual appeal. When flowers are plucked, it can detract from the overall aesthetic experience for others who visit the garden or public space. By leaving flowers intact, more people can enjoy their beauty.
God is seated not just in the temple, but he is present even in the heart of trees who worship the Cosmic Divine Consciousness (God) with their beautiful blossoms.
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