Ahimsa for Vaishnava Earth Ethics: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

The values and practices of ahimsa are not only an essential element of any system of Vaishnava ethics, but it takes on renewed importance in our Age of Climate Crisis, when we naturally consider how to construct and practice a system of Vaishnava Earth Ethics. Within the mosaic of teachings in the Bhagavad-Gita, ahimsa continuously emerges as an essential component of dharmic consciousness for material and spiritual flourishing in kind. This experience of flourishing cannot fully emerge within one’s own individual atman (self) without being connected to the flourishing of all other atmans, all other living beings. When we actually embody ahimsa as a practice of devoted commitment to our own material and spiritual flourishing, we at the same time devotedly commit ourselves to the material and spiritual flourishing of all fellow living beings in concert.