Gokarna, September 14, 2026: Courage to swim against the tide is essential to build a life free from plastic, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Sri Ramachandrapura Math, has said.
Although modern science has highlighted the harmful effects of plastic, the material has become deeply embedded in everyday life, he observed. “Change should not begin in someone else’s home. It must begin with us and from our own homes,” the Swamiji said.
He was delivering a discourse under the ‘Annam Brahma’ series at a religious assembly held as part of the Annabrahma Chaturmasya programme at the Ashoke premises of the Math’s Gokarna headquarters on September 14.
‘Change Must Begin With Us’
Swamiji said one of the characteristics of the present age was the tendency to damage something beneficial and replace it with something harmful. “Even though science acknowledges that plastic and artificial materials can be highly harmful, their production and use have not stopped,” he said.
He pointed out that even reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers, which are used to make drinking water suitable for consumption, are largely enclosed in plastic components. According to him, society needs to become more conscious of the widespread use of plastic and make changes wherever possible.
Ayurveda’s Traditional Water Purification Methods
During the discourse, the Swamiji referred to several traditional Ayurvedic methods of water purification, including nirvapana, kvathana and prasadana.
He also described methods involving natural substances such as kataka, gomedhika, shaivalamula and sphatika to make water suitable for use. He further referred to the traditional use of flowers and natural aromatic substances to enhance the value and qualities of water.
Appeal for Practical Changes
Swamiji said plastic had become widespread despite global awareness of its harmful effects. “The entire world speaks about the harmful effects of plastic, but it has not been banned everywhere. It has surrounded us from all sides,” he said.
He urged people to remain alert and make practical changes in their daily lives wherever possible. “At least, we should take steps to maintain the quality of our own lives,” he said, calling for a gradual move towards a more responsible and healthier lifestyle.
Keywords: Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji, plastic-free life, reduce plastic use, traditional water purification, Ayurveda water purification, Gokarna news