This article proposes that environmentalism and sustainability are engrained in the ancient civilization of India – as a consequence of its philosophical framework. The Purushartha framework guides every aspect of life in India. Artha and Kama result in exploitation of resources to satisfy desires and needs. But Dharma ensures that there is balance of all sorts that beholds life. Environmentalism and sustainability are engrained into this balance of Dharma. However, Dharma too does not sustain itself without Moksha – renunciation. Hence, entire framework of Purushartha becomes important. This framework itself emanates from the unique philosophy of Srishti-Sthi-Laya and their interrelations. The dynamic of the universe, the cause of Artha and Kama, is imagined through these concepts. Hence, Environmentalism and Sustainability are a consequence of a framework that guides daily life, backed by an imaginative philosophy, unique to Indic civilization.
Author: Shivakumar GVPublished: 1 April 2020
Language(s): English
Content Type(s): Text
Region(s): Global,Asia
Link: https://www.indica.today/research/origins-of-sustainability-and-environmentalism-in-vedic-philosophy/