Nature Deadly and Nature Divine: The Bhågavata Purå∫a’s Lessons on Human Relationships to the Environment: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

In recent decades we witness increasing public awareness about the profoundly damaging effects of accelerating human production, consumption, and mobility on eco-systems of the world; and this awareness is accompanied by a deepening sense of urgency that “something” must be done to stop the current trends of environmental destruction. Environmental activism is now a mainstream activity for all sorts of individuals and groups, not least persons and organizations whose motivations may be termed “religious.” Religious traditions are being seen as potential resources of wisdom, providing both theological vision and spiritual conviction for fostering responsible and reformative attitudes and action to favor the environment. In view of this journal’s present theme, “Vaishnavism and Nature,” here I will explore representations of “nature” within the Bhågavata Purå∫a (BhP, or Bhågavata)—a text revered as canonical for followers of several Vaishnava traditions—with the aim of considering how this text might serve as a resource not only for Vaishnavas, but also for other seekers and implementers of deep ecological thought and practice.