A Critique of O. P. Dwivedis Satyagraha for Conservation: Awakening the Spirit of Hinduism :: Environment Environmental Papers

A Critique of O. P. Dwivedis Satyagraha for Conservation Awakening the smelling of Hindiism In his article Satyagraha for Conservation Awakening the Spiritof Hinduism, O. P. Dwivedi argues that we must reawaken religious valuesif the world is going to reduce the current level of environmentaldegradation. He suggests that religious beliefs can action as a crucialfoundation in helping to create a self-consciously moral society whichwould put conservation and respect for Gods creation first, and handindividualism, materialism, and our modern desire to dominate nature in asubordinate place. Dwivedi further argues that religion helps to make benevolents aware of the limits of our control. He uses the example of Hindureligious beliefs to explain how reawakening religious beliefs mightcreate a change in attitudes toward nature. Although I agree with Dwivediscontention that religious values can serve to support environmentalmovements, I would argue that his article presents an overly sim plisticview of the power of religion. Dwivedi fails to address the constantlychanging nature of religious traditions. In addition, he does not addressthe fact that India (a predominantly Hindu country) is severely pollutedtoday. I felt that Dwivedis argument was weakened by his failure to embracewith these issues. As a result, I would like to explore some of the gapsin Dwivedis article. I will also deal briefly with Guhas article and theneed for a reawakening of religious values to be accompanied by asimultaneous change in social and economic realities. According to Dwivedi, the Hindu religion is genius of many religioustraditions which support ecological preservation and respect for theEarth. He argues that many of Hinduisms basic tenets reflect the idea that kinds are meant to care for their environment. Although I do not disagreethat this is one interpretation of the Hindu texts, I would suggest thatHinduism (like many religions) can also be presented as encouraging humancontro l over the earth. Yes, many of the texts do support non-violence andcare for the earth but on that point are also some passages/texts which supportviolence and human control over the earth (examples include TheBhagavad-Gita and passages with the RgVeda). Overall, I would say thatDwivedis argument for the ecological consciousness of Hinduism is the moreaccurate interpretation of the texts. However, it is crucial to recognizethat there are alternative and opposing interpretations.In his article,Dwivedi writes as if incorporating religious values into the secular worldwill necessarily support environmental preservation. Although it is affirmable that this could happen, it is also possible that religions couldbe used to argue the other side of the issue.