Understanding Vedic Texts Through the Lens of Eco–Spiritualism

Abstract

Eco–spiritualism is not a new idea; in fact, it has a long history in the Vedictradition. ‘Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam’ in the mantra of Mahā–Upaniṣad of theSāmaveda tradition presents us with a thought–provoking message, namely, thatevery being or entity on this earth is one family [अयं बन्धुरयं नेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्।उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥७१॥]. In the Vedic civilization the realm ofethical thinking was extensive. The Vedic science of ecology addresses eco–spiritualismfrom the perspective of the cosmological and the ontological unity ofnature. However, the ethics of natural laws, such as ṛta, satya and dharma, playsa very vital role in the human being’s environmental actions. Firstly, this paperintends to trace and identify the ecological divinity of the Vedas. Secondly, thepaper shall endeavour to apply and evaluate ancient scriptures and their understandingof the environment in terms of its intrinsic value and its relation to humanbeings. We conclude with the discussion on the problems of eco–spiritualismin the contemporary world.