Hindu ethics and the environment Flashcards
How does Hindu understanding of Brahman influence how they treat the environment?
Hindu texts assert that:
- The world was created from the Supreme Being
- Brahman ‘entered into every object created’
- All in this world is part of Brahman and must be treated with respect/veneration
Explain how the Hindu understanding of Rta informs how they treat the environment
Rta is the cosmic order that represents harmony and balance in the universe. The universe and all its systems are seen as a constantly moving, interdependent system of parts which are finely tuned to work in a balanced and orderly way. Interference with, or disruption of, any part of this complex system can upset and damage rta.
Atman
Hindu sacred texts teach that there is atman in every living being. Furthermore, true insight involves full realisation of the truth that every atman is part of and connected to Brahman - it is the same substance as Brahamn - so all life is worthy of respect. Each atman will be reunited with and reabsorbed into Brahman when moksha is attained - a motivation for skillful decision making.
Prakriti
Means ‘essential matter’ constituting the original or natural state of something. It is used in reference to all of reality but has become useful in recent discourse about the environment. Non-violent protest is focused on restoring prakriti.
Vedic deities - Ganga
The personification of the River Ganges
Recent conversation movements have begun to draw on reverence for Ganga to promote more sustainable practices in relation to the Ganges
Respect for animals
Hinduism shows considerable respect to many animals by virtue of their beliefs about the nature of the universe. Reverence for animals is also connected to some gods and other characters in sacred texts.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
For Hindus, yoga is one way an adherent can come to understand the atman. When it comes to environmental ethics, the Yoga Sutras present the yamas and niyamas to guide decision-making.
Ahimsa
Ahimsa is the active avoidance of violence by Hindu adherents. It encapsulates not only physical violence but also emotional and mental. The belief in ahimsa stems from the knowing that Brahman is within all beings and thus there is sacredness to all things.
Aparigraha - avoid hoarding and greediness
Depending on one’s life stage, varna and context, the yama of aparigraha is important and means that the adherent should not desire for possessions or anything that is beyond the necessary. This lack of possession allows the adherent to more deeply understand its relationship with Brahman by keeping it free from wanting and greed. Desire is the cause of accumulating karma. One who has made it their goal to achieve spiritual enlightenment would not take more than is necessary from others and also from the world around them.
Asteya - do not steal
Aligning with the absence of possessions or desire that we saw in aparigraha, asteya is similar as it teaches Hindus that they should not steal or take what does not belong to them. Hindus would not want to take more resources from the earth than would be sustainable, so they are not disadvantaging and stealing from future generations.
Sanatana Dharma (universal Dharma)
For Hindus, protecting the environment is a way to uphold their universal dharma by being virtuous, compassionate and loving. A number of Hindu communities maintain strong communal practices to protect local ecosystems such as forests and water sources. These communities carry out these conservation-oriented practices not as ‘environmental’ acts but rather as expressions of dharma. Hindus do not see religion, ecology and ethics as separate arenas of life. Instead, they understand it to be part of their dharma to treat creation with respect.
Samsara and Reincarnation
Due to the belief that all living beings are in a cycle of birth, life and death (samsara), there is a belief that all these beings are valued as part of one harmonious system. Samsara and reincarnation teaches Hindu adherents that humans and animals are all part of a cyclical network that has been ongoing for an infinite time. This, as well as knowing all those within this network are sacred and a part of Brahman, creates solidarity between these beings.
