Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

This paper explores the idea of an ecological spirituality, as presented in the emblems of Indian spirituality; its sacred texts, especially Srimad Devi Bhagwad and Srimad Bhagwata Mahapuran. The chosen narratives highlight conservation, sustainability and development as the three core principles of ecological wellbeing. At the heart of these principles, lies the doctrine of the human-nature relationship. The paper takes a stand that discrediting of this relationship is the precursor to the ecological threats we are faced with today. It constructs its arguments, borrowing from the philosophy of a spiritual leader of the contemporary era, His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj, the founder and head of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan. His conception of human-nature relationship emanates from the mantra of “Aatmavata Sarvabhuteshu”, i.e. all living beings are penetrated with a common force - the soul. This guiding force brings the man in unison with his ecology. The paper also proposes to discuss the spiritual methodology adopted by His Holiness to reinvigorate the ‘missing’ compassion in the human-nature axis. Based on an extensive survey of both religious as well as academic literature; and primary insights from my doctoral research fieldwork with this organization, it is an attempt to address the debates concerning ecological spirituality from the prism of Indian spirituality, taking from the wisdom of His Holiness.