Hinduism contains numerous references to the worship of the divine nature in its Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Sutras and other Religious texts. Millions of Hindus recite Sanskrit Mantras daily to revere their rivers, mountains, trees, animals and the earth.
Hinduism is a remarkably diverse religious and cultural phenomenon, with many local and regional manifestations. Within this universe of beliefs, there are several important themes which emerge. The diverse theologies of Hinduism suggest that -
(i). Earth can be seen as a manifestation of the Goddess and MUST be treated with respect.
(ii). The Five elements; Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth - are the foundation of an interconnected web of life.
(iii). Dharma, which can be understood as "Duty", can be reinterpreted to include our responsibility to take care of our Mother Earth.
(iv). Simple living is a model for the development of sustainable economies.
(v). The way we treat our nature directly affects our Karma.
Hinduism is a remarkably diverse religious and cultural phenomenon, with many local and regional manifestations. Within this universe of beliefs, there are several important themes which emerge. The diverse theologies of Hinduism suggest that -
(i). Earth can be seen as a manifestation of the Goddess and MUST be treated with respect.
(ii). The Five elements; Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth - are the foundation of an interconnected web of life.
(iii). Dharma, which can be understood as "Duty", can be reinterpreted to include our responsibility to take care of our Mother Earth.
(iv). Simple living is a model for the development of sustainable economies.
(v). The way we treat our nature directly affects our Karma.
The Indian communities in the past, like other traditional communities did not have any understanding of the environment as separate from the other spheres of activity in their lives. A number of rural Hindu communities such as Bishnois, Bhils, and Swadhyaya have maintained strong practices to protect the local ecosystems such as forest and water sources. These communities carry out these conservation-oriented practices, but not as Environmental acts, but on the lines of Dharmic Activity. When Bishnois are protecting the animals and trees, Swadhyayis are building Vrikshamandiras ( Tree Temples ), and Nirmal Nir ( Water harvesting Sites ), and Bhils are practicing their rituals in their sacred groves, they are just following the ancient Hindu teachings and not for protecting the environment, though the end result is nothing but protecting the environment.
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