Traditional Indian beliefs: a key toward sustainable living |
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Authors: | Mayanka Kala Aruna Sharma |
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Institution: | (1) Indira Gandhi Centre for Human Ecology, Environmental and Population Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302004, India |
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Abstract: | India is known for the moral ethos of its people. Indian beliefs have been associated with compassion and respect for nature
and its creations since ages. The religious beliefs of Jain, Vedic and Buddhist traditions in India established the principles
of ecological harmony centuries ago. Indian religious and philosophical traditions embody the earliest concept of environmental
ethics. Some of the important traditional environmental beliefs prevalent in India in which nature has been valued are discussed
here. In Rajasthan, a desert state of India, the Khejri tree is valued for its moisture-retaining properties, and it is not
axed even if it comes between the constructions. The live example of this is cited in Salasar Balaji temple in Sikar district.
A Bishnoi cult of India inhabiting the Jodhpur region is known for wildlife protection specially the famous Black Buck that
is an endangered species. Some areas popularly known as sacred groves or orans that are dedicated to a local deity worshipped
by the inhabitants of that area are especially reserved for biodiversity conservation, and anthropogenic activities are completely
prohibited. These and many more similar examples show that traditional beliefs of Indian societies have got a deeper understanding
of the ecological system and have been completely integrated with nature to evolve sustainable lifestyle. |
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