Spirituality of Nature and Environment: Hindu Perspectives

This session explores how spirituality is rooted in nature and the environment in Hinduism. Hinduism rejects the theory of “Humans AGAINST Nature” but “Humans IN Nature.” Nature being an aspect of God, it deserves the respect that we give to God Himself. In this session, the moderator and the first presenter discuss the importance of water in Hinduism. The second presenter discusses the importance of Earth, especially the Bhumisukta from the Rg Veda. The third presenter discusses the religious practices of worshiping other forms of life like ants, snakes, cows, etc. And the fourth presenter discusses Gandhian environmental ethics and his critique of industrialization, urbanization, and mechanization.