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Showing posts from March 8, 2007


Sikhism and Environment Protection

The teachings of Sikhism have a direct connection with environmentalism, ecology and environment protection. In Sikhism, the misuse of the bounties of nature is considered immoral and unpardonable. According to Guru Nanak Dev, air is the Guru, water is the Father, and earth is the Great Mother of all, while the day and night are the two nurses in whose lap all the world is at play. Guru Grantha Sahib, 157 says "Guru successively transforms himself into a doe living and moving underneath the earth, into a fish living and moving in water, and into a nightingale, living and moving in the air and resting on the trees." Sikhism decries the practice of animals sacrifice and lays stress on harmonious living with all creation in nature’s creations. According to Sikhism a man enslaved by the five vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego causes ecological degradation. Such people follow their self-centered impulses and exploit the natural resources of

Five Great Vows of Jainism and Environmentalism

The five great vows of Jainism – non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, sexual restraint and non-possession – have a direct connection with environmentalism, ecology and environment protection. Non – Violence – The first vow also known as ahimsa entails the perspective that all life forms need to be respected, upheld and sustained. Hence any activity that causes harm to life must be halted including such practices as mono-culture farming, use of pesticides, and destruction of habitat for urbanization. Truthfulness – The second vow also known as satya is recognition of the need to speak truthfully. Those concerned with environmental destruction need to make their views heard by others so that those in places of authority can create policies that foster protection of life. Not Stealing – The third vow also known as astaya can be seen as a challenge not to take more than the bare essentials from the earth. To take more than needed to sustain oneself robs the earth of p