Hinduism and Ecology: The Intersection of Earth, Sky, and Water (Religions of the World and Ecology) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0945454260 ISBN 13: 9780945454267

Publisher: Center for the Study of World Religions, 2000

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Christopher Key Chapple is Navin and Pratima Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Loyola Marymount University.

Review:

This book opens with the startling statement that India boasts the world's largest environmental movement, involving over 950 nongovernmental organizations...The central issue is whether the mores and tenets of Hinduism are compatible with the protection of the environment. The writers examine epics and sacred texts, arts and rituals, and the thoughts of Gandhi for what they show about the human use of nature in India...The quality of writing and scholarship is high. The writers are aware of parallels with the ecological crisis in the West; thus the book should be valuable to those interested in the global crisis. These lucid explanations of Indian thought and customs will help the Westerner to better understand India.
--W. C. Buchanan (Choice 2001-04-01)

[This] book is a major contribution to an important and expanding academic area, and it will be much appreciated by university audiences.
--David Gosling (Times Higher Education Supplement 2002-05-17)

About this edition

• Publisher: Center for the Study of World Religions
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0945454260
• ISBN 13: 9780945454267
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 656
• Editor: Chapple Christopher Key, Tucker Mary Evelyn