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Editorial- March-2023

Spending more time in nature and nature-based activities improve the health and quality of life for the people over the age of 65. A research published online on 1st February in Leisure Sciences highlights the activities in the bosom of nature with purpose of life in older people. The word, ‘forest bath’ is used extensively in undertaken research. The concept of ‘forest bath’ stands for being with nature, listening sounds of leaves, swaying trees, chirping of birds, trickling streams, breathing in fresh air etc. with complete concentration on nature. Improvements were observed by researchers in terms of physiological conditions (stress, blood pressure etc.) and cognitive health. The research also focuses on social activities in and with nature. The concept of ‘forest bath’ resembles Vanaprastha ashram mentioned in Indian texts. Vanaprashtha (way to forest) is third ashrama (stage) of life suggested in Indian texts. This stage of life is affiliated to retired life. After the stage of Brahmacharya and Grihastha, this stage is referred to life of repaying to nature. Manu Smriti evidently specifies the age of Vanaprastha as when the skin becomes loosen and hairs becomes grey, then go for Vanaprastha. In present practical world, it can be taken in reference to age above 60-65 years.
The idea behind the Vanaprastha is communication with nature for sustainable future. Nature (Prkriti) is esteemed as Maa Adishakti in Indian religious texts. She is acknowledged as source of everything including living and non-living. Even human lives as microcosms are part of that splendid macrocosm. Such explanation proposes to take care of every part of nature. Forest is inseparable part of this. Therefore, importance of forest is propounded in different texts as Agnipurana links deforestation with famine while Varaha Purana connects the five favours bestowed by trees with mahayagyas. Similar concepts were used in administration during Maurya empire in ancient India, as Chanakya had correlated forestation with heavenly approach.
Forest is paramount for its multi-facet uses. It is reservoir of various herbal medicines. It is prime part of environmental balance. So, such activities related to conservation and exploration of forest should be appreciated.