Hinduism and Ecology: The Intersection of Earth, Sky, and Water

by Christopher Key Chapple (Editor), Anil Agarwal (Contributor), Kelly D. Alley (Contributor)

This fourth volume in the series exploring religions and the environment investigates the role of the multifaceted Hindu tradition in the development of greater ecological awareness in India. The twenty-two contributors ask how traditional concepts of nature in the classical texts might inspire or impede an eco-friendly attitude among modern Hindus, and they describe some grassroots approaches to environmental protection. They look to Gandhian principles of minimal consumption, self-reliance, simplicity, and sustainability. And they explore forests and sacred groves in text and tradition and review the political and religious controversies surrounding India's sacred river systems.

Genres: Hinduism

600 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Daniel Burton-Rose]

I was concerned that the Harvard "X [world religion] and Ecology" series was mostly romantic orientalist wish fulfillment, positing a closeness to nature where only ecocidal collaboration with diverse regimes existed. But I think this volume was well done: it's honest about the ways it would like to modify--or selectively highlight--indigenous traditions as India faces a population- and consumption-driven permacrisis.

[Emily O.]

Only read certain chapters, but those I read were informative, discussed issues from intersectional perspectives, and laid our broad themes while paying attention to specific contexts. Inspired me to read more Hindu texts, particularly the Puranas.