Ecological Perspective in Hinduism
explanatory Essay
598 words
Hinduism is an incredibly diverse religion that expresses, through many of its texts the complex relationship between the environment and humanity. The base teaching that the earth is the physical body of the goddess Devi, and the idea of reincarnation, gives the Hindu a different perspective of what "life" is, and what respecting earth beneath us is accomplishing. Most importantly, they perceive that our treatment of the world directly affects our karma, the positive and negative forces that affect our future.
Hindu villages of the past did not see nature as disconnected from their everyday lives. Yet they actively protect it in keeping with an important Hindu concept, dharma, or as it is often translated, "duty" or "virtue". For example, Nelson (1998) explains that, “many Hindu villages have a sacred lake, and around it a grove of trees to catch rainfall and protect the banks from erosion. The lake and its grove store rainfall to irrigate surrounding fields and supply village wells with drinking water”. These villages are performing dharma, and are not making what we in the west would call an attempt at environmental preservation. They simply respect and care for the environment and believe that the environment will in return, respect and care for them.
Hindus respect the environment because they believe in rebirth and reincarnation. A human being can be reincarnated into any animal, plant, or any form of life. The idea of rebirth reinforces their choice of a vegetarian diet. Most Hindus are vegetarian because they do not like inflicting pain (the concept of ahimsa) on an animal. Hindus believe that all things have souls and that all things have a right to life. To kill another living species is to not respect their sacre...
... middle of paper ...
...e part of our very being and it makes up our very bodies.
Works Cited
Chapple, C. (n.d.). hinduism, Jainism, and Ecology. Patheos. Retrieved September 10, 2011, from www.patheos.com/resources/additinal-resources/hinduism-jainism-and-ecology
Chapple, C. K., & Tucker, M. E. (2000). Hinduism and ecology: the intersection of earth, sky, and water. Cambridge, MA: Distributed by Harvard University Press for the Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard Divinity School.
Hinduism and Ecology. (n.d.). Religion and Ecology. Retrieved September 9, 2011, from http://hollys7.tripod.com/religionandecology
Kittler, P. G., & Sucher, K. (2000). Cultural foods: traditions and trends. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.
Nelson, L. E. (1998). Purifying the earthly body of God religion and ecology in Hindu India. Albany, New York: State University Of New York Press
In this essay, the author
- Explains that hinduism expresses, through many of its texts, the complex relationship between the environment and humanity. the base teaching that the earth is the physical body of the goddess devi, and the idea of reincarnation give the hindu a different perspective of what "life" is.
- Explains that hindu villages of the past did not see nature as disconnected from their everyday lives, yet they actively protect it in keeping with an important hindu concept, dharma.
- Explains that hindus respect the environment because they believe in rebirth, which reinforces their vegetarian diet. they believe that all things have souls and have a right to life.
- Explains that although most hindus are vegetarians, some do eat meat; however, the laws of manu state that no sin is attached to eating flesh, but abstinence from these bears greater fruits. the cow is not to be eaten or killed because it is considered sacred.
- Explains that hindus respect and care for the environment because god, brahma, created nature. the bhgavat religious texts say that a true devotee is one who sees the presence of god in everything.
- Cites chapple, c. (n.d.). hinduism, jainism, and ecology. patheos. retrieved september 10, 2011.
Related
- argumentative
- analytical
- explanatory
- The First Environmentalistargumentative essay“We are the same as plants, as trees, as other people, as the rain that falls. We consist of that which is around us; we are the same as everything. If we destroy something around us, we destroy ourselves” (Buddha). This quote from Buddha depicts the essence of Buddhism and its intimate relationship with the environment. Buddhism new and old is intertwined with nature and the environment. Buddhism is intrinsically, at its core, environmentalism. Environmentalism shines through many aspects of Buddhism: the middle way, Samsara, Karma, iconography, and impermanence. These facets led to Buddhism containing an underlying theme of environmentalism.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how buddha depicts the essence of buddhism and its intimate relationship with the environment. buddhism is intrinsically, at its core, environmentalism.
- Explains that the buddha was concerned with how people lived their lives before he became an ascetic who lived in the woods.
- Explains that samsara is an important aspect of buddhism that has environmental connotations. vegetarianism helps reduce energy, waste, pollution, and cruelty generated by feedlots and factory farms.
- Explains that the notion of karma plays a huge role in the buddhist lifestyle.
- Explains that buddhism is racked with images of nature and animals, which leads to a better mindset when viewing nature.
- Explains that impermanence in buddhism is a way to establish there is no permanence and everything is in flux.
- Concludes that the theme of environmentalism in buddhism emanates from the middle way, samsara, karma, iconography, and impermanence.
- Explains babbit, ellen c., "xv the ox who envied the pig."
- Describes bloom, alfred, "buddhism, nature and the environment." the eastern buddhist.
- Opines that god is a vegetarian: the food, health and bio-spirituality of hare krishna, buddhist and seventh-day adventist devotees.
- Explains that snyder, gary, the practice of the wild: essays. washington, dc: shoemaker & hoard, 2004.
1793 wordsRead More - The Visionanalytical essaySubsequent chapters address the four facets of ecological sustainability in the context of Christianity, Hinduism, and contemporary environmental theories. These sections affirm that while each faith presents its share of challenges, perpetuating poor ecological decisions Christian and Hindu faith provide the tools necessary to result in good ecological practice.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that all faiths can influence how we approach ecological sustainability. dr. martin luther king jr. embodied the ideal model of churchmanship and christian activism.
- Explains that bhagavad-gita believes human beings possess three qualities: lucidity, passion, and inertia, which are the basis for our intrinsic values.
- Explains that gandhi exemplified such a lifestyle by detaching himself from the material world and in doing so demonstrated an ability to avoid habits of over-consumption.
- Explains that dr. david suzuki, a renowned geneticist and environmentalist, advocates agenda 21 principles and is at the forefront of ecological activism in the twenty-first century.
- Analyzes how king, gandhi, and suzuki demonstrate that human beings require some level of structure to cement ecological ethics and guide productive change.
1353 wordsRead More - Asceticism in Buddhism and Hinduismexplanatory essayEliot, Sir Charles. HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM. 1921. Vol. 1. London: ROUTLEDGE & KEGAN PAUL LTD, 1954. 3 vols. wisdom library. Web. 9 Dec. 2013. .
In this essay, the author
- Explains that asceticism is derived from the greek word "askesis", meaning practice, bodily exercise, and athletic training. virtue is behavior showing high moral standards.
- Explains that asceticism is an attempt in one's life to achieve various goals like working on the inner self as a "whole" to attain liberation and self-restraint.
- Explains that ancient israelites restrained themselves from sexual intercourse when going to war to maintain mentality of the situation. askesis, deriving from the word asceticism, aids in making soldiers focus on specific tasks and becoming one with their moral vitality.
- Explains that in hinduism, asceticism has many forms, such as pain-producing, physical exhaustion, and fasting. tapas, which means self-mortification, plays a large part in sacrifices.
- Explains that tapas is a way of paying for the sins that were committed. hinduism believes that the road of abstinence will lead oneself to achieve liberation.
- Explains that ascetic practices in the hindu religion lead to the path of liberation. asceticism developed spiritual teachers to run tests on themselves to achieve philosophical doctrine and teaching of the upanishads.
- Explains that yoga helped with self-control, inner purity, and proper conduct and renunciation. asceticism was flourishing in the indian societies during the upanishads and aranyakas.
- Explains that the buddha had the greatest of great personalities that were in the mauryan empire. these spiritual leaders didn't want people to follow them, but were doing things of pure good in order to help themselves and the society they lived in.
- Explains that buddhists show more of a monastic character.
- Explains that in the buddha there are thirteen dhutaga, which are ascetic practices. they signify the way a buddha decides to live his life and the many practices that they have to follow.
- Explains the ascetic practices of buddhist rituals such as pamsukula dhutanga and the three robes.
- Explains that eating only one meal a day is better mentally and physically and that's why buddhists practice it.
- Explains that the buddha practices the dwelling in the forest. this leaps into mental concentration and makes one concentrate because there are no sources of distraction.
- Explains that asceticism has more similarities than differences in hinduism and buddhist rituals. both religions play a big part in society and have many similarities.
- Cites appleton, robert, the catholic encyclopedia, and devinda, monk. the 13 ascetic practices.
- Describes the various aspects of hinduism and buddhism.
1799 wordsRead More - In the journal of Environmentalism as Religion, Paul H. Rubin discuss about how environmental is similar to religion. Rubin want everyone to know that the environment and religion are somehow similar in a way, which they both have belief system, creation stories and original sin.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that paul h. rubin's journal of environmentalism as religion talks about how environmental is similar to religion. both have belief system, creation stories, and original sin.
- Analyzes how rubin talks about how scientists cannot prove or disprove the existence of god, but religion replaces part of the evolved of nature.
- Analyzes rubin's discussion about special days for both religion and environment. the world seems less religious and seems more like environmental.
- Concludes that paul h. rubin's journal explains how the religion and environmental have impact people around the world.
531 wordsRead More - Sustainability In Christianity And Buddhismanalytical essaySustainable Spirituality Sustainability is shown in some religious practices one being Christianity, another being Buddhism. Caring for the earth is a very prominent aspect of sustainability that is practiced in religions. Some may argue that those groups do not respect and use the earth in a respectable way. Sustainability is a faith system within many religions, Christianity and Buddhism being a few.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that sustainability is a faith system within many religions, including christianity and buddhism.
- Analyzes how calvin dewitt discusses an earth keeping principle in his writing from inspirations for sustaining life on earth.
- Explains that buddhism connects with the earth in a spiritual way, along with sustainable spirituality.
- Analyzes how sustainability helps form religions and everyday life. christianity shows sustainability as taking care of god's creation, not taking too much of one thing.
- Explains that the earth is a place that sustains life, one should care for it as one cares for themselves. some people practice sustainable living within their religions, such as christianity.
657 wordsRead More - Informative Essayanalytical essayFisher, Mary Pat. "HINDUISM." Living Religions. 1991. Reprint. Upper Saddle River: Person Education, 2011. 73-120. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how rukmani's life was full of lies that brought her spirit down, but once the truth was out, everything around her was getting much better.
- Analyzes how rukmani's journey was filled with choices that affected her life, suffering that purified her soul, and she learned the most important moral value, the truth.
- Explains fisher, mary pat. "hinduism." living religions. 1991. reprint. upper saddle river: person education, 2011.
- Explains markandaya, kamala. nectar in a sieve.
- Explains that hinduism is a vast and complex thing. they believe in karma, reincarnation, and truth.
648 wordsRead More - The Birth of Religions and Philosophies in the Ancient Worldexplanatory essayHinduism by all means was a religion, and was characterized as being polytheistic, meaning that the believers worshiped many higher beings or deities, who were later considered to be aspects of one single god. Origins of this ancient religion were found in the Indus civilization, as well in some parts of the sacrificial cults of the Indo-Aryans who immigrated into the Indian subcontinent in 1500 BC. Sacred writings of the Hindu religion, called Vedas, gave significance and importance legends, myths, and hymns (O’Brien). T...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that siddhartha gautama was the leader and teacher of this reformative philosophy. he found truth in nirvana through the four noble truths and eightfold-path.
- Explains that hindus and buddhists believed in reincarnation of those who accepted and embraced the teachings. the role of karma, which kept people in the constant cycle of death, was a key factor that kept followers destined for eternities.
- Explains that hinduism originated around 3,000 bc, while buddhism followed the teachings of their spiritual guide, buddha.
- Explains that the creation and formation of religion and philosophy was crucial to the progress of ancient worlds, as it set in stone how each country would advance or prosper.
- Opines that o'brien, patrick, "the birth of world religions." atlas of world history.
- Explains that hinduism was the oldest religion in the ancient world, with the philosophical teachings of siddhartha gautama following close behind.
1174 wordsRead More - The Afterlife According to Religious Beliefexplanatory essayEncyclopedia of World Religions – Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Zen, Hinduism, Prehistoric & Primitive Religions. London: Octopus Books Limited. 1975. Print
In this essay, the author
- Explains that different religions have different beliefs about the afterlife. they believe in different forms of a greater power, some including the belief in only one deity or multiple deities.
- Explains that there are three main deity beliefs throughout religion: the belief in only one god, multiple deities that coincide together, or no belief. there are many views on this particular subject.
- Opines that most religions have some sort of evidence that their deities have communicated somehow about their presence in life.
- Explains that religions are generalized in believing a certain way, but there are some people who do not completely agree with the form(s) that their deity/deities are said to take.
- Explains that doctors' and psychologists' studies have shown that there is a common theme to most nde's. they describe the experience as calm and serene, despite being on the brink of death.
- Explains that religions believe that humans have free will, but if they do control everything, why would they not choose to make things better?
- Explains that many religions believe that humans have souls that move on past the earthly realm.
- Explains the encyclopedia of world religions, which includes judaism, christianity, islam, buddhism, zen, hindu, prehistoric & primitive religion.
1939 wordsRead More - Religions Censusexplanatory essayHinduism is among the most ancient of the eastern religions and it has a great influence on western civilization and through the years it has given rise to some cults and religious movements. In the first decade of the twenty first century, recognition to Hinduism culture in America had increasingly risen among religious schools although...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the us census bureau has not questioned americans about religion since 1950s but some data had been collected by the federal government for about a century before that.
- Explains that the us census bureau does not have much on the religious affiliation of americans as prohibited by the public law.
- Explains that hinduism is among the most ancient of the eastern religions and has a great influence on western civilization.
- Explains that hinduism is elastic and tolerant although it is authoritative and firm regarding the principles governing the religion. it is considered as the synthesis of all types of religious backgrounds.
- Explains that all denominations of buddhists religions experienced unparallel growth in u.s. from 1990 to 2001. the success of buddhism in america and western world is largely attributed to buddha’s central message of compassion, understanding and rationality.
- Explains that judaism is a multi-denominational religion with three major subjects; orthodox, conservative, and reform. the world's jewish population was estimated at 13,428,300 in 2010.
- Analyzes how the disintegration of the soviet union, political, economic instability, democratization process, and jewish population transfers played a big role in modeling the composition and populations of jewish populations. internal factors determining population structure factors were the regulation of births and deaths.
- Explains that islam is among the fastest growing religions in the world. the u.s. muslim communities have increased rapidly since 1960s, driven by high immigration, widespread conversion efforts, and high birthrates.
- Explains that islam has the highest conversion rates of all other religions in the world. one third of american-muslims are african-americans who have been converted to islam.
- Explains that while the global muslim population is estimated to grow faster than the non-muslim population, it is expected to slow down in the next 20 years than it did in past two decades.
- Explains that christianity is the world's largest religion and its fastest growing religion, with the most of that growth placed in the developing world.
- Explains that christianity has penetrated the remote locations on earth. places considered unreachable several decades ago have become new spots of christian growth.
- Explains that religions have the history of a long time being followed by man and despite the differences they all have many similarities. all regions condemn moral decay and unacceptable behaviors.
- Cites gordon melton j. and jones a. constance, conference paper on reflections on hindudemographics in america: an initial report on the first american hindu censes.
1385 wordsRead More - It was a misfortune for the world that an omnivorous primate and not some more compassionate form of animal made the sentient breakthrough. Our species retains hereditary traits that add immensely to our destructive impact. Instinctively, we are tribal and aggressively territorial, intent on the acquisition of resources with complete disregard for other organisms, and oriented by selfish sexual and reproductive drives. Individuals place themselves first, family second, community third and the rest of the world a distant fourth. Today, we stand at the forefront of human civilization having made tremendous leaps in modern advances that our ancestors not even a century ago could fathom. As a by-product, we are now faced with major socio-economic and environmental concerns, namely an exponentially growing population and depletion of our natural resources. If we continue on this path, then the earth will eventually no longer be able to sustain all of its inhabitants. Only by means of social change can we avert this. Through the application of traditional disciplines, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Legalism, lies a viable solution in solving the current ecological crisis of overpopulation. First, let us analyze arguments presented by Buddhist beliefs and how they may shed light on this issue.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the omnivorous primate and not some more compassionate form of animal made the sentient breakthrough. our species retains hereditary traits that add immensely to our destructive impact.
- Quotes mary evelyn tucker, co-coordinator of harvard university religions of the world and ecology conference series, who observes that the earth took more than four billion years to bring forth this abundance of life.
- Explains that buddhism teaches of the interconnectedness and causality between all things that are a part of our universe.
- Analyzes how buddhist perspectives can help individuals detach themselves from materialism, consumerism, and the market economy. nhat hanh sees overpopulation as one of the most pressing issues facing our world today.
- Analyzes how the one-child-per-couple policy in china has been one of the largest and most dramatic population-control campaigns in the world.
- Analyzes how a legalistic approach could be used to address the one child policy and its government directed policies.
- Analyzes how buddhism, confucianism, and legalism counter-arguments can be made challenging their viewpoints on the solutions they propose for overpopulation.
1374 wordsRead More