Profile: Mohandas Gandhi
Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), known as Mahatma (“Great Soul”), developed the concept …
Praxis
Deep Ecology recognizes that ecological crisis is fundamentally a crisis of perception and relationship. The world’s spiritual traditions offer profound resources for reconnecting with the sacred dimensions of Earth and life.
From Buddhism’s teaching of interdependence to indigenous wisdom traditions that never separated spirit from nature, contemplative practices cultivate the ecological self. These traditions understood what modern culture forgot: we are not separate observers but intimate participants in a living cosmos.
Spiritual ecology is not about imposing religious doctrine on environmental issues, but rather discovering how direct spiritual experience naturally gives rise to ecological consciousness. When we experience our deep continuity with all life, protection of nature becomes as natural as caring for our own body.
Deep ecology draws on scientific understanding that reveals Earth as living system. Cosmological perspectives from Thomas Berry,, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin situate humanity within the vast unfolding of cosmic evolution, providing context for our ecological responsibilities.
Deep ecology requires translating insight into action. Mohandas Gandhi’s ahimsa and satyagraha had a powerful influence on Arne Naess’ thinking, laying foundations for nonviolent environmental activism. Buddhist practitioners like Thich Nhat Hanh and Sulak Sivaraksa have build their engagement with direct action on the basis of Dharma teachings of compassion, non-violence, and interdependent co-arising. From Jain and Hindu backgrounds respectively, Satish Kumar and Vimala Thakar also show how contemplative practice grounds engaged action.
Grassroots organizing exemplified by Vandana Shiva’s seed sovereignty work demonstrates how ecological restoration and social justice interweave. Helena Norberg-Hodge advocates localization as response to destructive globalization, while all these figures show how deep ecological principles guide concrete transformation.
