Environment & Charities in Hinduism | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

In Hinduism, the term "environment" refers to the natural world, encompassing everything within the Earth and its ecosystems. Hindus view the environment as an integral part of existence, deserving respect and care.

Core Beliefs About the Environment

• Divine Presence in All Things: Hindus believe that God permeates all creation, and thus, every element of the natural world should be treated with reverence.
• The Earth as a Mother: An ancient Hindu teaching states, "The Earth is our mother, and we are all her children," emphasizing the nurturing role of the planet.
• Treading Lightly on Earth: Hindus are encouraged to use the Earth's resources sparingly, only taking what is necessary to avoid waste and depletion.
  • Example: When constructing Neasden Temple, 2,300 trees were planted in Devon to offset the wood used in its building, reflecting a commitment to environmental balance.

The Divine Feminine and the Earth

• Goddess Terminology: The most common term for "goddess" in Hinduism is Devi, though she is also known as Shakti, Durga, and other names.
• Shakti’s Role: Shakti is the feminine creative force that, alongside Brahman, is believed to have brought the universe into existence.
• Earth as Devi: Many Hindus view the Earth as the Goddess Devi, the universal mother who provides nourishment and medicine to sustain all life.
  • Hymn from the Devi Mahatmya: "Praise to the Divine Mother, the sustaining power of the universe. Praise to the Divine Mother, who is terrible, eternal, and happiness itself. We bow to the Divine Mother, who is wealth and success and who takes us through difficulties."

Key Hindu Teachings Related to the Environment

Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

• Principle of Non-Violence: Ahimsa is a fundamental Hindu principle advocating non-violence toward all living beings.
• Sanctity of Life: Hindus believe that all living things are sacred, as they contain a spark of the divine (atman) and are part of Brahman.
• Respect for All Life: Practicing non-violence involves showing respect for humans, animals, and plants alike.

Vegetarianism in Hinduism

• Many Hindus adopt vegetarianism due to the following beliefs:
  • Avoiding Suffering: Killing animals for food causes them pain and suffering.
  • Equality of Atman: Animals possess atman, making them as significant as humans in the divine order.
  • Preserving the Life Cycle: Animals are integral to the natural cycle, and harming them disrupts this balance.

Karma and Reincarnation

• Belief in Karma: Hindus hold that every action has consequences, a principle known as karma.
• Reincarnation: The concept of karma extends across multiple lifetimes, with actions in one life influencing the next.
• Environmental Responsibility: Many Hindus believe that harming nature harms humanity, as humans rely on the natural world for survival, and every atman is part of Brahman.
• Encouraging Accountability: The belief in karma motivates Hindus to take responsibility for their environmental actions.

The Pursuit of Moksha

• Ultimate Goal: The ultimate aim for Hindus is achieving moksha, liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and the cessation of suffering.
• Righteous Action: Caring for the environment is considered a righteous act, an essential step toward achieving moksha.

The Hindu Declaration at Assisi (1986)

The Hindu declaration emphasized:

• Unity with Nature: Humans are an integral part of nature, interconnected with all elements of creation.
• Divine Revelation in Evolution: God is revealed through the evolutionary process, with humans as one part of this divine hierarchy, albeit the highest at present.

Hindu Environmental Projects

Hindus are deeply concerned about human-induced environmental damage and strive to make choices that protect the Earth, aligning with their spiritual beliefs.

Environmental Practices

• Recycling and Reducing Carbon Footprints: Many Hindus actively recycle and work to minimize their environmental impact.
• Volunteering for the Environment: As part of their personal dharma, Hindus may volunteer to care for God’s creation.
• Mindfulness of Karma: Believing in karma, Hindus are conscious of how their actions affect the Earth, knowing these actions carry consequences.
• Conserving Resources: Hindus aim to avoid overusing scarce resources, recognizing the impact of overconsumption on the planet.
• Animal Protection: Many Hindus take steps to safeguard animals, reflecting their commitment to ahimsa and environmental stewardship.

Protection of Cows

Cows hold a sacred status in Hinduism, and their protection is a significant aspect of environmental and spiritual practice.

Beliefs About Cows

• Sacred Animals: Hindus oppose the slaughter of cows, viewing them as holy.
• Lord Krishna’s Example: As a cow herder in his early life, Lord Krishna serves as a model for cow protection.
• Rig Veda Teachings: A hymn in the Rig Veda (1087.16–19) condemns those who harm cows, stating, "The fiend who smears himself with flesh of cattle … who steal the milch-cow’s milk away, O Angi, - tear off the heads of such with fiery fury."
• Cows as Mothers: In Vedic scriptures, cows are seen as maternal figures, providing milk and nurturing life, reinforcing their role as one of the Earth’s mothers.

Cow Protection Initiatives

• Global Movement: There is a worldwide Hindu movement dedicated to protecting cows.
• International Society of Cow Protection (ISCOWP): This organization educates people on the importance of cow protection and offers an adoption program, enabling individuals to financially support cows and prevent their slaughter.
• Karma and Ahimsa: Hindus believe that harming cows invites negative karma, motivating them to ensure cows’ safety and well-being.
• Goshalas in India: In India, goshalas serve as retirement homes for elderly cows, supported by charities dedicated to their care.
• Bhaktivedanta Manor Cow Protection Project (UK): Run by the Hare Krishna movement, this project prevents unnecessary cow slaughter, operates a dairy farm, maintains a visitor center, and provides a goshala shelter for cows.

Protection of Trees

Hindus believe that God resides in all living things, including plants, prompting efforts to protect trees and other vegetation.

Tree Protection Movements

• Chipko Movement:
  • Origins: Inspired by women in the 1700s who hugged trees to prevent their felling, the Chipko movement gained prominence in 1974 when peasant women in India hugged trees to protest deforestation.
  • Impact: The movement spread across India, influencing government policies to consider the needs of forest-dwelling communities when planning deforestation for profit.
  • Recognition: In 1987, the Chipko Movement received the Right Livelihood Award for its environmental activism.
• Vrindavan Forest Project:
  • Significance: The Vrindavan Forest is sacred to Hindus as the dwelling place of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, making it a pilgrimage site for devotees.
  • Threats: Industrial development in the 1980s endangered the forest.
  • Restoration Efforts: The Vrindavan Forest Project works to protect and restore this sacred forest, preserving its ecological and spiritual value.

Charity within Hinduism

Charity, or dana, is a cornerstone of Hindu practice, emphasizing selfless giving and service without expecting rewards.

The Concept of Charity

• Selfless Giving: Charity in Hinduism involves helping others because it is morally right, not for personal gain.
• Ahimsa and Charity: The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) extends to charity, encouraging the protection of the environment, people, and animals.
• Helping Brahman: Since all living beings contain atman (a part of Brahman), helping others is seen as serving the divine.
• Karma Yoga: Selfless charitable acts are considered a form of Karma yoga, the path of righteous action.
• Dana and Sewa: Dana (giving) includes sewa (selfless service) to those in need, encompassing hospitality, kindness, and material support.
• Fourfold Dharma: Hindus have a duty toward family, society, the world, and all living things, which includes caring for the poor.
• Anna Dana: Sharing food, known as anna dana, is a common form of giving, including offering hospitality to unexpected guests.
  • Hospitality as Duty: Refusing hospitality to those who come to one’s door is considered a grave moral failing.
  • Special Meals and Donations: Some Hindus organize meals for the needy or donate to charity in memory of loved ones.

Charitable Organizations in Hinduism

Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)

• Overview: Founded by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), MAM is an international organization dedicated to enhancing humanity’s spiritual well-being.
• Mission: MAM focuses on selfless devotion and service to transform lives.
• Community Impact: Members visit areas and individuals in need, striving to improve their circumstances.
  • Example: In 2014, MAM member Choti Sing worked in Ratanpur village, overcoming caste barriers to uplift her community. Her efforts included providing education for young children and raising awareness among mothers about childhood vaccinations, creating new opportunities for the community.

Sewa International

• Mission: Sewa International aims to empower women in India, particularly by organizing women workers for full employment.
• Achievements: In 2016, the organization held a festival on International Women’s Day to honor women who had made significant contributions, attended by over 1,200 people from diverse regions and social castes, showcasing the charity’s progress in promoting inclusivity and empowerment.