Ancient Wisdom, the Natural World and the Environment

Current human behaviour and practices represent a challenge and an opportunity for ancient wisdom. A variety of messages and beliefs relating to our relationship with other species and the natural world have been inherited from the past. The clarity of the positioning of the natural world varies by belief system and in preserved artefacts. Indian ancient wisdom is sympathetic to many contemporary concerns about the impact of human activity upon the natural world and environment. Ancient wisdom can often be succinct, memorable and have ascribed authority. The maintenance of balance is important in the Hindu tradition. The future impact of religious beliefs and ancient wisdom might depend upon a number of areas of balance. In particular, it may depend upon where the balance is struck between detachment from the cares, distractions and obsessions of this world and personal searches for enlightenment or salvation, and engagement with environmental issues and obligations to society and the natural world and the extent to which they are considered as complementary rather than competing claims to be reconciled. Those who value ancient wisdom should reflect on the extent to which and where their further endorsement is needed when there is already widespread awareness of environmental issues and concerns, whether they might be perceived as too general in specific circumstances, and the weight likely to be attached to them in comparison with the views of specialist professionals and academic experts, potential applications of technology and scientific or other authoritative evidence