Indian Environmental Ethics

There has been a tremendous shift in the human attitude towards nature and environment through the age’s .The ancient Indians had embraced and adopted a set of ethical and moral values which truly respected nature. They followed ethical principles while using land, water and air. For ex: since the land is the part of the earth, and they looked upon earth as the benign mother, land needs protection from all kinds of pollution, environmental hazards and exploitation for egoistic reasons. But now, sanctity and divinity is not found in the ethical principles as they are no longer deemed important. As such, land has become a commodity to be played with. The same is true when we look at the other resources. Earlier natural resources where looked

In Hinduism, environmental ethics are a part of religious philosophy from Vedic period. In Rig-Veda the basic elements of Earth, air, water, fire and space provide basis for life and no body shall destroy or damage these five elements. According to Indian spiritual tradition, Nature does not need to be controlled or transformed or decorated; she needs to be accepted in her entirety as a whole. She can be loved and celebrated as she is… But she is alive and must not be diminished or reduced. During ancient days there used to be gratitude towards nature, sages use to pray for recovery of nature, if he has inflicted any injury. In Atharva Veda, it is chanted that, whatever I dig out form thee let that quickly grow over again, „O‟ God let me not injure that vital heart‟. This principle is similar to Right to life with environmental sustainability, thus principle of sustainable development is not evolved recently, and it is established principle from Vedic times. But man neglected it and more importance is given to economic development, not after realization, we are re-establishing this principle for very sustenance of life. Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas are highlighting importance of yagna there it helps in purifying atmosphere, purity and quality of water is highlighted in

Ahimsa is the Jain way of life and for them environmental harmony through spirituality may be attained by adhering to 3 precepts, right belief, right conduct and right knowledge.

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Sikhism

According to Holy Scripture of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, the creation and dissolution of universe occurs from divine command; God is the source of birth, substance and destruction. Thus for Sikh’s divinity lies in nature and to meet their needs without over exploiting the nature.

Christianity

The Biblical verses in old and new testaments provide that it is the duty of man to protect nature and Humanity must safeguard or care for the environment. Christianity prescribes a harmonious relationship between man and nature

Islam The holy Quran’s message is unity, harmony, balance and order representing the sustainable development. One should not alter the environment or disrupt the balance. If any such damage is caused to environment, it is considered as fasad (mischief). Islam says that man is replica of universe and is duty of every man is to safe guard the health of