Both the human individual and the natural world are seen as manifestations of the eternal Brahman.
Man is thus a small but integral part of the cosmos.
Spirit and matter are not alien or opposite but parts of an integral whole. The strong belief that the earth, the heavens, the four directions, fire, air, sun, moon, stars, water, herbs, trees, the sky and the soul contribute to life and influence life made it necessary for man to treat them with affection and respect. Disrespect would bring upon man the wrath of the gods and condemn us to repeating the cycle of rebirth and death. Love is an unlimited, self-giving compassion flowing freely to all living creatures. Himsa means causing pain to or killing any life out of anger or from a selfish purpose, or with the intention of injuring it.