This fourth volume in the series exploring religions and the environment looks at the role of the Hindu tradition in the development of ecological awareness in India. It asks whether concepts of nature in the classical texts might inspire or impede an eco-friendly attitude amongst modern Hindus.

This fourth volume in the series exploring religions and the environment investigates the role of the multifaceted Hindu tradition in the development of greater ecological awareness in India. The 22 contributors ask how traditional concepts of nature in the classical texts might inspire or impede an eco-friendly attitude among modern Hindus, and they describe some grass-roots approaches to environmental protection. They look to Gandhian principles of minimal consumption, self-reliance, simplicity and sustainability. And they explore forests and sacred groves in text and tradition and review the political and religious controversies surrounding India's sacred river systems.