Praja Principle
The term "Praja" is derived from Prajapati and generally refers to living dependants, offspring, or subjects. In the broader context of all life, Praja could be understood to represent all living beings that depend on and are part of the natural ecosystem, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals.
Thus, Praja can be seen as a reminder of the inter-connectedness of all life and the responsibility to protect and care for all living beings, recognizing their inherent value and importance in the ecosystem.
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From Shastra we find this quote:
THE COWS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS THE CITIZEN
It is also significant that Vasudeva inquired about the welfare of Nanda Maharaja’s animals. The animals, and especially the cows, were protected exactly in the manner of one’s children. Vasudeva was a ksatriya, and Nanda Maharaja was a vaishya. It is the duty of the ksatriya to give protection to the citizens of mankind, and it is the duty of the vaisya to give protection to the cows. The cows are as important as the citizens. Just as the human citizens should be given all kinds of protection, so the cows also should be given full protection. -Krsna Book, Volume 1, Chapter 5 by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
There can be severe consequences of not taking care of Praja, or all life forms on our planet. Here are a few examples:
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Ecosystem collapse: Every living being plays an important role in the ecosystem, and when one species is lost, it can lead to a domino effect that can ultimately lead to the collapse of the entire ecosystem. This can result in reduced biodiversity, degraded soil and water quality, and increased risk of natural disasters like floods and wildfires.
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Climate change: Human activities like deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere can contribute to climate change, which can have disastrous effects on all life on Earth. This includes rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and the loss of habitats and food sources for many species.
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Food scarcity: Many species play an important role in providing food for humans, either directly or indirectly. If we don't take care of these species and their habitats, we risk losing them and potentially causing food shortages and other related issues.
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Human health: The health of all life forms is interconnected, and the degradation of one species or habitat can have serious consequences for human health. This includes the spread of diseases, exposure to harmful chemicals, and the loss of medicinal plants and other natural resources that are critical for human health.
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In short, not taking care of Praja, or all life forms on Earth, can have severe consequences that ultimately affect our own survival and wellbeing. It's important that we recognize the interconnectedness of all life and take steps to protect and care for it, both for the sake of the other living beings that share our planet and for ourselves.
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The term "biom" can have several meanings, including a spiritual connotation, a reference to organic matter, and a specific type of ecosystem.
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By OM (spiritual): The syllable "Om" is considered a sacred sound mentioned in the Bhagavad-Gita and other Vedic texts.
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By Organic Matter: BIOM is as a shortened form of "biomass," which refers to the total weight or volume of all living and recently dead organic matter in an ecosystem. This includes plants, animals, and microorganisms and is an important measure of the health and productivity of an ecosystem.
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Biome: Finally, BIOM can refer to a specific type of ecosystem that is defined by the dominant vegetation and other environmental factors, such as temperature and precipitation. Examples of biomes include tropical rainforests, deserts, tundras, and grasslands.
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All of these meanings of BIOM are related to the idea of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world. Whether viewed through a spiritual lens or in terms of ecological science, the concept of "BIOM" invites us to recognize the complex and interdependent web of life that we are a part of and to work towards protecting and sustaining it.