The author, Nanditha Krishna, deserves heaps of appreciation for writing this very illuminating book that is sure to broaden the reader’s horizon. In a simple yet erudite language, the book provides the reason(s) behind the intimate relationship between Hinduism and nature, why the things that exist in nature have been sacred for the followers of the faith from ancient times. A PhD in ancient Indian history and research-cum-field work in environmental conservation enables her to explain how the value systems imbued in the ancient spiritual traditions of Hinduism have been and still are the most effective way to conserve natural resources and thereby ensure their ecological diversity and availability for future generations just as our ancestors, through their sustainable value systems over millenia, made certain their availability for us.
This book explains how Dharma (righteousness) and Ahimsa (non-violence) , the two core concepts of Hinduism, enabled the survival of not just many animal and plant species, but kept water bodies and even mountains pollution free. She provides very interesting information with references from Vedas, Upanishads and mythology which makes the reader curious to learn more. For example, in North India, the temples found on hill/mountain tops are majorly Shiva temples whereas in South India, those are Kartikeya (Murugan) temples. The mythological reason for this is mentioned.
Hinduism has a concept of sacred groves and gardens and their spiritual connection with the communities living near them and association with a local deity secured their survival. For example, Baba Roachi Ram and Peer Baba in Jammu & Kashmir, Khetnath and Jairamdas in Haryana, Haryali Devta and Devrada in Uttarakhand, Vansatti Devi and Bhairav Baba in Uttar Pradesh etc. They are found in almost all the states. A garden attached to a temple, known as Nandavan, is a long held tradition which contains a diverse species of fruit bearing, flower bearing and medicinal plants. There is strict prohibition of cutting any plant(s) in temple gardens.
The divinity and respect accorded to rivers and lakes in the Vedas and Upanishads and the holy dip for spiritual purification had kept them pollution free for thousands of years. The concept of temple tanks, known as Pushkarni/Kund/Sarovar in different parts of India, are traditional water management systems that not only provided water during the summer but also replenished ground water levels. However, changing value systems due to modernisation, industrialisation and development have polluted them.
Ahimsa, the concept of non-violence against fellow human and animal extends to ecological non-violence to include prohibition on cutting trees for they are the abode of the Gods. For example, Pipal is the most sacred tree in Hinduism because the Holy Trinity resides in them which explains why the Hindus circumambulate it seven times. There is also this concept of Sthal Vriksh, tree(s) found inside a temple premise where devotees offer coconuts and tie threads, an effective way to ensure plant diversity across the land. Towns like Vrindavan and Badrinath are named after trees! Even Gurudwaras are associated with trees because Guru Nanak attained enlightenment under the ber tree (Indian plum). The religious practice of Vriksh Prasadam, in Tirupati and Madurai wherein devotees can pay for the planting and maintenance of sapling(s) for divine blessing is much more effective than any modern afforestation method. This has led to scientists working with temple priests in Badrinath (Uttarakhand) encouraging pilgrims to plant saplings to enhance their pilgrimage experience and thus help to restore the ancient forest cover.
A verse in the Bhagavad Gita says “Those who are wise and humble treat equally, the Brahmin, cow, the elephant, dog and dog eater”. The concept of Vahan (vehicle of the Gods) ensured protection of animal diversity using spirituality and religion. A wonderful and very effective example of conservation of ecological biodiversity through religious beliefs is the Bishnoi community in the Thar desert. Guru Jamboji, the founder of the community in the 16th century, gave them 8 principles to preserve biodiversity in the harsh arid climate. The blackbuck, sacred to the Bishnois, roams freely with no threats. The overall result is the lush green Thar desert!
Mountains are sacred and have a spiritual connection because they are a comprehensive ecosystem. Mount Kailash in Tibet, sacred Hindus, Buddhists and Jains have remained unclimed ensuring its pristine and pollution free environment. There are names of mountains and hills in every state of India that are sacred to the local people that have resulted in the protection and survival of biodiversity contained therein.
The festivals remind us of the importance of nature in our lives. For example, seeds symbolize the cycle of birth, life and renewal and play an important role in Hindu rituals during harvest festivals such as Bihu, Onam and others.
Our ancient civilisation was an ecologically conscious civilisation and all that was sacred and preserved for millenia are now threatened by rampant pollution. We must take from Mother Earth not more than our share.
This book is highly recommended to everyone to get the true essence of Hinduism and its ancient traditions if we are to ensure the proper management of natural resources for future generations.
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