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

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" (05/17/2002) 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" (04/01/2001) [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" (05/17/2002)

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 22 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 grass-roots 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.