Hinduism and Ecology

“[This] book is a major contribution to an important and expanding academic area, and it will be much appreciated by university audiences.”—David Gosling, Times Higher Education Supplement

“This book opens with the startling statement that India boasts the world’s largest environmental movement, involving over 950 nongovernmental organizations… The central issue is whether the mores and tenets of Hinduism are compatible with the protection of the environment. The writers examine epics and sacred texts, arts and rituals, and the thoughts of Gandhi for what they show about the human use of nature in India… The quality of writing and scholarship is high. The writers are aware of parallels with the ecological crisis in the West; thus the book should be valuable to those interested in the global crisis. These lucid explanations of Indian thought and customs will help the Westerner to better understand India.”—W. C. Buchanan, Choice