Prasenjit Duara on Spiritual Ecologies: Sustainability and Transcendence in Contemporary Asia

TL;DR

The convergence of historical trends in Asia is leading to the emergence of ecological spirituality, which integrates religious and non-religious social groups in the fight for environmental protection and sustainability.

Transcript

Hello, everyone and welcome to the environment forum at the Mahindra Humanities Center. I'm Ian Miller, co-convener of the forum with Robin Kelce, a professor of photography and Dean of Arts and Humanities here at Harvard. This is the final event of ours for the semester. We'll continue in the spring with a set of exciting events, always exciting e... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫵 The emergence of ecological spirituality in Asia is challenging the binary view of humans vs. nature and promoting a more holistic and interconnected perspective.
• 🧑‍🚒 The converging goals of religious and non-religious social groups are driving the fight for environmental protection and sustainability.
• 🥺 Grassroots movements led by marginalized communities, religious groups, and civil society organizations are playing a significant role in promoting ecological spirituality and protecting natural resources.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the relationship between transcendence and ecological sustainability?

Transcendence, understood as a meta-epistemic position, enables individuals to view themselves as part of a larger ecosystem and promotes a sense of interconnectedness. This perspective helps deflate the ego and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices.

Q: How are religious and non-religious groups joining forces in promoting ecological spirituality?

In many parts of Asia, marginalized communities appealing to their traditional beliefs, while modern environmental groups emphasize holistic views of nature. These groups are forming alliances to protect resources and fight against environmental pollution and exploitation.

Q: Does spirituality play a significant role in grassroots movements for environmental protection in Asia?

Yes, spirituality often acts as a driving force in grassroots movements. For example, Thai, Cambodian, and Laotian Buddhist monks are at the forefront of environmental movements, using traditional rituals to raise awareness about deforestation and dam building.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The convergence of local communities in Asia and modern environmental groups is fueling the emergence of ecological spirituality.

• These groups reject the binary view of humans vs. nature and instead emphasize interconnectedness and the need for sustainability.

• The movement is driven by local communities, religious groups, and civil society organizations.