Each community and ethnic group has different perceptions, understandings and behaviors of nature based on certain natural, socio-economic conditions. Results of qualitative research on the abstinence forest sites of the Cotu people in Tr'hy commune, Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province shows that the Cotu people in the study site have specific conventions in protecting the restricted forest area. These conventions contribute to the expression of the "universal spirit" view, expressed through the conception of the natural possession of supernatural forces. That leads to the behavior of harmonizing with nature in the relationship of giving and receiving between people and nature.