South Asian Religions and Ecology: Spiritual Connections
Discover how South Asian religions address ecological issues in this Yale course on spiritual environmentalism.
Discover how South Asian religions address ecological issues in this Yale course on spiritual environmentalism.
Explore the rich ecological dimensions of South Asian religions in this comprehensive course from Yale University. Led by experts Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, this course examines how Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and the Baha'i Faith view and interact with the natural world. You'll study ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, explore concepts like bhakti (devotion) in relation to nature, and examine modern environmental movements inspired by these traditions. From the Ganges River's sanctity to Jain principles of non-violence towards all life forms, you'll gain deep insights into how South Asian spiritual teachings can inform contemporary ecological practices. The course also addresses pressing environmental challenges in the region and how religious perspectives contribute to solutions. Ideal for those interested in comparative religion, environmental studies, or seeking faith-based approaches to sustainability in the South Asian context.
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What you'll learn
Understand the ecological dimensions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and the Baha'i Faith
Analyze ancient South Asian texts for their environmental insights
Explore the concept of bhakti (devotion) and its application to nature in Hinduism
Examine Buddhist principles of interdependence and their relevance to modern ecology
Investigate Jain and Yogic practices for environmental awareness
Analyze Sikh and Baha'i approaches to unity of spirit and matter in ecological context
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
1.5 Hours PreRecorded video
7 quizzes
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FullTime access
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There are 9 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the ecological dimensions of South Asian religions. It begins with an overview of contemporary environmental challenges in India and the broader region. The curriculum then delves into the ecological aspects of major South Asian traditions, starting with Hinduism. It examines Vedic and Upanishadic texts for their environmental insights, explores the concept of bhakti (devotion) in relation to nature, and discusses Hindu perspectives on rivers, forests, and biodiversity. The course then covers Yoga and Jainism, focusing on their teachings of interconnectedness and reverence for all life. Buddhism is explored through its core concept of interdependence and its applications in Southeast Asian conservation efforts. The course also examines Sikhism's environmental ethics and the Baha'i Faith's integration of spiritual unity with ecological engagement. Throughout, the course emphasizes how these ancient traditions offer relevant insights for addressing current ecological challenges, showcasing examples of religiously-inspired environmental activism in South Asia.
Course Introduction
Module 1 · 47 Minutes to complete
Introduction to South Asian Ecological Challenges and Religion and Ecology
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Hinduism and Ecology - From Vedas to Vedanta (Upanishads)
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Hinduism and Loving Devotion (Bhakti) in Practice
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Yoga and Jainism - Detachment from and Affirmation of the World
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
Buddhism and Ecology: The Interdependence of All Reality
Module 6 · 1 Hours to complete
Buddhism in Southeast Asia: Engaged Conservation
Module 7 · 2 Hours to complete
Sikhism and the Baha'i Faith: Unity of Spirit and Matter
Module 8 · 2 Hours to complete
Course Conclusion
Module 9 · 6 Minutes to complete
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Instructors
Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar
John Grim is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University, with appointments in the School of the Environment, Divinity School, and Department of Religious Studies. He co-directs the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology with his wife, Mary Evelyn Tucker. Together, they directed a major project on World Religions and Ecology at Harvard and co-authored several influential works, including *Ecology and Religion* (2014) and *Thomas Berry: A Biography* (2019). Grim teaches courses on Native American and Indigenous religions, world religions, and ecology, and co-produced the Emmy-winning film *Journey of the Universe*.
Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar
Mary Evelyn Tucker is a Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University, affiliated with the School of the Environment, the Divinity School, and the Department of Religious Studies. She teaches in the Master's program in religion and ecology and co-directs the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology with her husband, John Grim. Tucker holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in Asian Religions, particularly Japanese Confucianism, and has been a Research Associate at Harvard's Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies since 1997.Her work focuses on the intersection of religion and environmental issues, leading her to organize a series of ten conferences on World Religions and Ecology at Harvard from 1995 to 1998. Tucker has co-edited several influential volumes on ecological perspectives within major world religions and has authored numerous articles on social and environmental determinants of health. She is also known for her multimedia project "Journey of the Universe," which includes an Emmy award-winning film and educational resources aimed at fostering ecological awareness
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4.8 course rating
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