Saloni Sharma
Our planet faces escalating environmental crises—soil degradation, climate change,
deforestation, and biodiversity loss—often driven by profit-centric motives. These challenges
demand innovative approaches to foster sustainable living. Through my research as part of
the IMPRI Environment Policy and Action Youth Fellowship (EPAYF) Cohort 2.0, I explored
eco-spiritualism, a worldview that regards nature as inherently sacred and a boundless giver.
Unlike theoretical or fear-based climate activism, eco-spiritualism fosters deep emotional
and experiential connections to the Earth, offering a unique lens to address environmental
degradation. My study, conducted through surveys and participant observation in spiritual communities across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore, reveals how eco-
spiritual beliefs inspire pro-environmental attitudes among spiritual seekers, paving the wayfor sustainable lifestyles. This article shares insights from my research, highlighting eco-
spiritualism’s transformative potential in tackling climate change.
Reclaiming the Sacred: Eco-Spiritualism as a Pathway to Sustainable Living
Eco-spiritualism integrates reverence for nature with environmental ethics, promoting
behaviors that prioritize planetary well-being under the principle of recognizing the divine in
all. This approach makes environmental care accessible to everyone, regardless of familiarity
with complex ecological theories. My survey of nearly 100 spiritual seekers across four
Indian cities, complemented by participant observation, shows that spiritual practices ignite
conservation emotions as powerfully as, or more than, conventional environmentalism.
Unlike data-driven or policy-focused approaches, eco-spiritualism engages the heart,
fostering awe and responsibility toward nature. Scholars like Roger Gottlieb (2006) argue
that spiritual traditions can inspire ecological activism, while Seyyed Hossein Nasr (1996)
emphasizes nature’s sacredness as a catalyst for stewardship. My research builds on these
ideas, examining how spiritual seekers—through practices like meditation, yoga, rituals, and
community conservation—translate beliefs into sustainable actions. Can eco-spiritualism
bridge personal convictions with collective environmental responsibility?
Lived Experiences: Emotional Ecology and Everyday Spiritual Practices
In New Delhi, I joined urban meditators whose mindfulness and yogic practices deepened
their bond with nature. In Bangalore, a community treated river cleanups as sacred acts,
viewing the river as a divine entity. In Coimbatore, tree-planting rituals on sacred lands and farms symbolized devotion to the Earth. These experiences revealed a common thread: eco-
spiritual practices cultivate stewardship, where caring for the environment becomes an extension of spiritual commitment. The research process was transformative yet challenging.
Building trust with spiritual communities required patience, as their practices often
challenged my notions of self-centered, comfort-driven lifestyles. Participating in rituals—
standing in a forest at dawn, chanting with meditators, walking barefoot on soil, dipping in a
river, or planting fruit tree saplings—offered more than data; these moments reshaped my
understanding of environmental responsibility, revealing nature as an integral part of my
being, beyond what academic texts could convey.
A key finding is the role of emotional connection and spiritual aliveness in driving sustainable
behavior. Interviewees described moments of strength, oneness, and meditativeness—
watching a sunrise, touching a sacred river, or nurturing a sapling—that reinforced their
environmental commitment. Unlike fear-based environmental messaging, which can feel
paralyzing and divisive, eco-spiritualism offers hope and agency. A young woman practicing
yoga in Bangalore shared, “Morning rays of the sun heal parts of me I never tapped.” A
young man practicing kriya yoga in Coimbatore noted, “Walking barefoot keeps me
connected to Mother Earth.” Their words highlight how eco-spiritual practices transform
environmental action into a personal journey, fostering resilience and motivation. This
experiential oneness can inspire broader audiences to adopt sustainable lifestyles, shifting
from obligation to purpose.
Unity in Diversity: Eco-Spiritualism’s Role in Collective Environmental Action
Eco-spiritualism also bridges cultural and religious divides. My survey focused on individuals
actively practicing spiritual disciplines like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness, rather than
those merely discussing spiritual ideas. India’s diverse spiritual landscape—encompassing
Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and secular traditions—finds unity in eco-spiritualism’s universal
values of interconnectedness and respect for all life. Participants viewed nature as a shared
sacred space, transcending specific doctrines. This universality positions eco-spiritualism as a
unifying force for collective climate action in pluralistic societies like India, fostering inclusive
environmental movements where cultural and religious diversity shapes social dynamics.
My research aligns with the EPAYF’s focus on community engagement and sustainable
development. Fellowship sessions led by experts like Ashish Kothari and Soumya Dutta
deepened my understanding of how eco-spiritualism complements policy-driven efforts by
mobilizing grassroots action. Community-led conservation initiatives rooted in spiritual
beliefs can amplify legislative frameworks, ensuring sustainability efforts are culturally
resonant and locally relevant.
Through evocative surveys and reflective narratives, my research underscores that
meditators, conservationists, and ritual practitioners can redefine how the world views
environmental values. By blending rigorous analysis with creative expression, this project
seeks to inspire action, demonstrating how personal beliefs can drive collective ecological
responsibility.
Eco-spiritualism is not a panacea for climate change, but it offers a compelling framework for
reimagining our relationship with the Earth. My findings suggest that by fostering emotional
and ethical connections to nature, eco-spiritualism can motivate sustainable behaviors and
unite diverse communities. The EPAYF has been a transformative platform for exploring
these ideas, and I look forward to sharing my findings through IMPRI Insights and the
forthcoming anthology.
References :
1. Gottlieb, R. S. (2006). A Greener Faith: Religious Environmentalism and Our Planet’s
Future. Oxford University Press.
2. Nasr, S. H. (1996). Religion and the Order of Nature. Oxford University Press.
3. Taylor, B. (2010). Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future.
University of California Press.
Acknowledgements: I express my gratitude to the IMPRI Center for Environment, Climate
Change, and Sustainable Development for this opportunity, and to program chair Ms.Bhargavi S. Rao and experts for their guidance. I also thank the spiritual communities in New
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore for sharing their stories and practices.
About the contributor: Saloni Sharma is an activist based in Coimbatore and a fellow of EPAYF 2.0 – Environment Policy and Action Youth Fellowship, Cohort 2.0.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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Acknowledgment: This article was posted by Riya Rawat, researcher at IMPRI.
