Rites and customs of the Vedic Sanatan religion are not orthodox—as propagated by some rationalists—but are full of scientific knowledge and wisdom that have helped preserve nature and society until recent times. But both of these are now deteriorating very quickly. The concept of all pervading BRAHMAN in the Vedic Sanatan religion is quite similar to the concept of the Quantum Field of Energy in modern science as both are formless, infinite and omnipresent. There are many similar scientific connotations in the tenets and rites of the religion. Furthermore, if some elements of nature such as wells/rivers and plants/trees are regarded as deities and worshipped, it is not orthodoxy but helps create strong social awareness for the protection of nature through religion. If people worship something, they will not destroy it; it is a simple psyche. No such awareness exists anywhere in the modern scientific world, and the result is severe degradation of water and forest resources these days. Can rationalists understand such underlying philosophies in religious rites and customs? So, this book is a must-read for nature lovers to understand how ancient science in the Vedic Sanatan religion helped protect our environment, which is now falling apart at an alarming rate.

Nature Across Cultures: Views of Nature and the Environment in Non-Western Cultures consists of about 25 essays dealing with the environmental knowledge and beliefs of cultures outside of the United States and Europe. In addition to articles surveying Islamic, Chinese, Native American, Aboriginal Australian, Indian, Thai, and Andean views of nature and the environment, among others, the book includes essays on Environmentalism and Images of the Other, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Worldviews and Ecology, Rethinking the Western/non-Western Divide, and Landscape, Nature, and Culture. The essays address the connections between nature and culture and relate the environmental practices to the cultures which produced them. Each essay contains an extensive bibliography. Because the geographic range is global, the book fills a gap in both environmental history and in cultural studies. It should find a place on the bookshelves of advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and scholars, as well as in libraries serving those groups.

This book, arising from over twenty years experience of working with the world's major faiths, draws extensively upon joint World Bank and ARC (Alliance of Religion and Conservation)/WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) projects world wide. It shows, through stories, land management, myths, investment policies, legends, advocacy and celebration, the role the major faiths have, do and can play in making the world a better place. The major faiths are the oldest institutions in the world and have survived essentially because they are constantly evolving and changing. There is much to be learnt by newer institutions such as the World Bank and the multitudes of NGOs about how to remain true to what you believe but change and grow as you develop. The book explores issues of climate change, forestry, asset management, education and biodiversity protection and does so using the techniques of the great faiths storytelling, example and celebration. It reveals a variety of world views and it asks us to see that our personal view may be just one amongst many. The challenge of living with integrity in a pluralist world underlies the book and it offers models of how diversity is crucial in attempting to ensure we have a sustainable world.

An interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between religion and environment in Hinduism.

Hinduism for GenNext !On the 23rd of April 2004, I was flying from JFK Airport, New York City to SFO to attend a press meeting at Monterey, California. An American girl was sitting right beside me, near the window.After some time, she smiled and we introduced ourselves to each other. I told her that I am from India. Instantaneously, the girl enquired, "What's your faith?""What?" I asked as I didn't understand the question."I mean, what's your religion? Are you a Christian or a Muslim?" she elaborated her question."No!" I replied, "I am neither Christian nor Muslim."With a perplexed look, she questioned, "Then who are you...'""I am a Hindu", I said. She gazed at me as if seeing a caged animal. She could not understand what I was talking about....- These are opening sentences of my article "Am I a Hindu?" written long ago. Most of the readers would be familiar with this article as this happened to be most shared article on Hinduism for Westerners. Many readers, especially parents of non-resident Indians told me to write a book on the similar line. It took me many years of research and study to complete this book.The 'Why Am I a Hindu?' gives a fresh perspective, mostly with a twist in the tale in a breezy, conversational style that makes even weighty philosophical discussions easy to digest.Opinion of those who read the first few chapters' draft: "A must-read for those who wish to gain a deeper, clearer understanding of issues related to Sanatan Dharma." Ajit Menon. "I find your chapters very thought provoking and insightful. Both my wife and I consider ourselves seekers of truth and enlightenment and your writings evoke great wisdom within this arena. Now, I myself follow eastern spiritual philosophy." Al Sanchez. "This book is a simple gateway to understanding the uncomplicated ways of otherwise seemingly complex Sanatan Dharma through conversations between the author and his friends or readers. The author explains the science, logic and rational of Sanatan Dharma in a very simple, lucid and reader-friendly style. The hardcore Vedic philosophy is made ridiculously simple for the beginners." Anita Sharma. "It is non-fiction, but you can read it as if you are reading a compelling fiction novel. It is really a fun book to read. And you will understand the rational, logic and science of our culture and traditions." Sahana Madhyastha. "This would be the best gift you can present to the younger generation to understand the science of Sanatan Dharma to begin with following which it can be practiced in daily life to avoid stress and lead a peaceful happy life." Josh Matthew

Rarely do Indian environmental discourses examine nature through the lens of caste. Whereas nature is considered as universal and inherent, caste is understood as a constructed historical and social entity. Mukul Sharma shows how caste and nature are intimately connected. He compares Dalit meanings of environment to ideas and practices of neo-Brahmanism and certain mainstreams of environmental thought. Showing how Dalit experiences of environment are ridden with metaphors of pollution, impurity, and dirt, the author is able to bring forth new dimensions on both environment and Dalits, without valourizing the latter’s standpoint. Rather than looking for a coherent understanding of their ecology, the book explores the diverse and rich intellectual resources of Dalits, such as movements, songs, myths, memories, and metaphors around nature. These reveal their quest to define themselves in caste-ridden nature and building a form of environmentalism free from the burdens of caste. The Dalits also pose a critical challenge to Indian environmentalism, which has, until now, marginalized such linkages between caste and nature.

Designed to help readers deepen their understanding of Hinduism, and reflecting themes central to the study of religion and culture, Jessica Frazier explores classical Hindu theories of self, the body, the cosmos, and human action. Case studies from Hindu texts provide readers with direct access to primary sources in translation, ranging from ancient cosmology to philosophical teachings and modern ritual practices. Hinduism is often depicted as being so diverse that it is the most difficult of all of the world religions to understand or explain. Hindu Worldviews explains core ideas about the human mind and body, showing how they fit into concepts of the Self, and practices of embodiment in Hinduism. It draws on western theoretical concepts as a point of entry, connecting contemporary Hindu culture directly with both western and classical Hindu theories. Through the theme of the Self in classical Hindu sources, the chapters provide an interpretative framework for understanding classical approaches to ethics, liberation, and views of the body and the mind. These provide a key to the rationale behind many forms of modern practice such as divinisation rituals, worship of deities, and theological reflection. Reflecting central themes in courses on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy, Hindu Worldviews provides an accessible new perspective on both Hinduism and modern theory in the study of religion.