Eco-Spirituality in India

In a world of increasing ecological imbalance, environmental protection and sustainability are key topics of discussion. The ecological crisis calls for immediate action to reverse or at least pause the damage done to the planet we have been blessed with, and the reason why we’re called to act on this is simple – our planet allows us to thrive, and we want to keep thriving.

It’s simple reasoning on the surface, but as evidenced by the lack of meaningful progress in our collective goal to save our planet, it isn’t effective enough in creating real change. A large portion of the population continues to view the goal of humanity through a lens of materialism and anthropocentrism, as a result of which the web of systems being affected by the ecological disturbances remains out of sight. This warrants a shift in perspective; one where spirituality acts as the root for environmental concern.

Eco-spirituality acts as the meeting point of spirituality and the Earth. It transcends environmental action driven by concern for human life and explores the moral and spiritual side of the problem. It draws out the connections between human beings and all other living and non-living elements in the surroundings. Essentially, it deals with the spiritual dimension of environmental activism.

An ideology as old as time, it finds its origin in ancient societies from various parts of the world. In Native American philosophy, for instance, stories can be found of how spirituality came to be because of the spirit that resides in the Earth and the universe. It also runs as far back as the Vedic age in India, when the traditional texts drew parallels between the natural elements of the physical world and the deities that were worshipped. Similarly, the deep connection between humanity and the Earth has been emphasised by the various faiths practiced in India as well as in the other parts across the globe.

India has always been known for its spiritual prowess. Seals from the Indus Valley Civilisation depict trees as a symbol of abundance, an emblem similarly found in Indian epics and poems. The contemporary Chipko movement, which began in 1970s Uttarakhand with women using their bodies as barricades to protect trees from being cut, is one highlight in India’s long history of environmental preservation. Mauryan ruler Ashoka is well known for having created a state where forests and wildlife were particularly seen as important in his set of principles known as Dhamma. Evidence of their protection under his law can be seen in the remains of the edicts that were erected in his time – an early predecessor of our present-day deforestation laws. Carvings in monasteries depict the Buddha attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, due to which the Ficus genus is now associated with wisdom. India’s vivid and diverse tribal cultures also celebrate nature through animism and spirit worship, viewing the elements themselves as deities and the land as a sacred being that must be protected. Their relationship with their surroundings thus acquires a deeper spiritual dimension, going far beyond viewing the Earth as just a source of sustenance. Sustainability was of major concern in the construction of ancient settlements as people lived in harmony with their surroundings, taking as little as was required. 

The problem with contemporary environmental activism, as opined by spiritual leaders today, is the detachment from these ancient principles which emphasise the mutual relationship between mankind and the Earth, and the greater importance given today to human dominance over the forces of nature. As argued by American historian Lynn White Jr., the ecological imbalances we face today are not solely due to the advent of technology and urbanisation. The changes that we make to the world around us are rooted in our beliefs, and our beliefs are fundamentally flawed due to their disengagement with philosophy. In his address, “The Historic Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis” he states that unless we alter our axioms built on anthropocentric Western ideas, our ecological crisis will continue to suffer as we neglect our intrinsic and non-exploitation-oriented relationship with our environment. 

This opens a spot for India to be a leader in eco-conservation today. Our understanding of the disadvantages of rapid industrialisation and the importance of eco-spirituality act as an excellent baseline of knowledge upon which ecological principles can be built. Although criticised by environmental activists for diverting from the more “rational” side of sustainability, Indian history has proved that focusing on the deeper human-nature connection results in effective ecological practices. If preserved today, the spiritual principles that India is revered for and that have allowed us to sustain such a sacred bond with the Earth can be the key to preventing further harm to our environment. India can lead by example, encouraging other cultures to reconnect with nature to explore the sacred bond that humans have with the elements around us which cannot be preserved simply with technology or materialistic enthusiasm. 

Just like any other problem, the ecological crisis can be viewed from multiple perspectives, each emphasising a different aspect of our lives and calling for a different line of action. Eco-spirituality is an integral ideology ingrained in our society since the dawn of time. After having proven its effectiveness in environmental protection and sustainability, it is time we harness it today in our mission to build a healthier relationship with our planet.