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April:
Dharma and
the Environment
Balancing human progress and environmental
issues.
Summary
“There is yet no ethic dealing with man’s
relation to land, and to the animals and plants which grow upon it. Land… is still property. The land-relation is still economic,
entailing privileges, but not obligations. The extension of ethics to this third element in the human
environment is, if I read the evidence correctly, an evolutionary possibility
and an ecological necessity.”
- Aldo Leopold.
“The past two decades have witnessed a major
revolutionary thrust in social moral awareness, one virtually unknown in mainstream
Western ethical thinking, although not unrecognized in other cultural
traditions…”
- Bernard E. Rollin
There is no doubt that, as we dawn on a new millennium
of human civilization, the issues of the environment, and human interaction
with the environment, have become more important than ever in our
history. With the continued
accumulation of scientific knowledge, and the endless march of progress, we
hold in our hands the keys to a golden age of growth and prosperity. However, if humanity does not
approach this new era with proper understanding and respect for the forces we
seek to harness, such a golden age will be unrealizable. There is an ever-increasing call for
a new perspective on the relation of man to nature, and the development of an
environmental ethic. In such a
time, it is fitting to turn to systems of philosophy that incorporate such an
ethic.
The concept of Dharma incorporates such an ethic. Swami Tilak has written, “Dharma is
not just going to the temples or listening to the spiritual teachings or
observing certain rituals, but to practice in everyday life what is virtuous
for the good of society, the environment and humanity at large. This also
includes the animal and plant kingdom and inanimate objects, which need love
and care as we humans do.”
Hinduism, from its roots to its philosophical heights has stressed the
importance of humanity’s relationship with nature. Hence, the idea, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – all of
creation is one family. It is,
therefore, one’s duty to honor all parts of this family. This reverence is apparent as the
earth is referred to as the mother in Hindu culture.
It can be seen that Dharmic culture, like a number of
other cultures, has incorporated this idea of environmental ethics. To the follower of dharma, nature
must be given due consideration in the affairs of man. This does not mean that technological
progress and the growth of civilization is condemned, simply that it must be
thought of in respect to the impact on the environment. One has a duty to protect the
environment, and to work for the good of all, rather than focusing solely on
humanity.
Dharmic duty with respect to the environment may also be
thought of in respect to reverence for life. The concept of ahimsa, or non-violence, was popularized
to the West by the activities of Mahatma Gandhi. Yet the ahimsa that he spoke of was much deeper than
simply what was publicized. It
is an ancient principle of dharma.
Ahimsa is not just non-violence, but is the active reverence of all
life. As such, it is a duty to
actively protect not just humans, but all living beings.
The study of Dharma also yields some practical solutions
to modern environmental problems.
While developing environmental ethics allows us to make better
decisions that concern the environment, the pursuit of dharma on a personal
level also contributes to the solution of environmental problems. The problem of overconsumption is a
major contributing factor to environmental degradation. Overconsumption and unsustainable
growth are hallmarks of much of modern culture that must be left behind to
enter an environmentally conscious era.
Both of these problems can be addressed by dharmic principles on the
personal level. For example, the
dharmic individual does not demand more than what is needed. By fitting civilization’s growth
patterns to the needs and not the wants of individuals, overconsumption would
be eliminated as a problem, and growth would be more easily sustainable.
Environmental issues are undoubtedly some of the most important,
and most difficult issues that modern society is faced with. The exploration of Dharma in relation
to the environment may help to shed light on this issue, and ultimately be a
step in the direction of a balanced future. Dharma helps to provide an ethical context for
environmental decisions, as well as practical solutions for pressing
problems. By understanding and
exploring the principles of dharma, we may be able to move a step forward in
the fight for a balance between the impulse to grow and the needs of all
beings on this beautiful earth.
Background Articles
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