Developing an Ecofeminist Ethic Within the Hindu Tradition

The modern world is marred by a variety of environmental problems such as pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources. They have affected every corner of the world, and India is no exception. This country has long suffered from overpopulation, and with increased industrialization India's environmental problems have only multiplied. In desperate times it is only natural to seek a solution wherever one might exist, and particularly in the last few decades the search has turned to the world's religious traditions in an effort to develop religiously based environmental ethics. The hope seems to be that if environmental concerns can be integrated into these already firmly established worldviews, then the environmental cause as a whole might gain greater support. This appears to be an ideal strategy given that environmental activism is a fairly recent development, and the best way to ensure that the masses become involved is to give the cause the authority of one or more religious traditions that are based in antiquity. As a result, many have sought to encourage the development of an environmental ethic within the Hindu tradition. Of course, opinions vary, but many believe it to be a realistic and worthwhile ambition, and thus they meticulously examine the religion's sacred texts as well as the behavior and beliefs of practitioners in order to establish a foundation for this environmental ethic. Of course, religious interests are not the only ones that individuals are attempting to harmonize with environmental concerns. Many have turned to the feminist cause, believing that its principles have much in common with those of environmentalism. It is supposed that if the