Mystic Mantra: A green spirituality

At a time when there is a global search for solutions to an impending ecological catastrophe, and a growing consciousness of the dangers of reckless human greed, can we in India dissect our inherited spiritual wealth, and the way we have lived for centuries, for creative alternatives? Could there be something of value in the lifestyle we are in such a hurry to discard, which might even have the potential to spark a global eco-renaissance? It is a lifestyle with a low carbon footprint through voluntary and extensive recycling, consumption that is need-based and not greed-based, and an ethic of taking only as much as is needed. One that takes its core from spiritual values, and has been practically applied over the centuries in the markets, households, kitchens and courtyards of the subcontinent.

This lifestyle is inspired by the key spiritual principle of balance, at the heart of several wisdom traditions. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras aim to cultivate balance of body, mind and emotionality, to become a fit instrument for union, yoga, with the divine. No aspect of the individual is left out in the eight limbs of yoga, which seek to create balance by encouraging control, non-possessiveness and non-attachment. Letting go of greed not only frees the mind of its restless hankering, it also directly impacts the burden we put on the earth and her resources.  

The Sanskrit directive “Ati sarvatra varjayet” — avoid excess everywhere — could become a golden rule of not just yoga, but life. Whether it is food, clothes, gadgets, cars, or money, we need just the pinch that will flavour life. To sink into an experience, and enjoy it fully, we need to be mindful. The quality of deep attention, of being fully in the moment, is what makes us say, “I am happy, I am satisfied”. Not endless consumption, or infinite repetitions of an experience. As the Buddha pointed out, to grasp what is enjoyable and reject what is not is the nature of the mind. Ignorance is being constantly caught up in the pendulum of these two opposite impulses — running after, and running from. To find an inner balance that is not swayed by either is the point of spiritual practice. It is also what makes for “the good life”, rich in satisfaction and happiness, low in consumption and carbon!

The green version of the good life is deeply embedded in the Jain vow of aparigraha, non-possession. At its heart, aparigraha is a call for freedom — it means not drawing a boundary, parigraha, around anything. Which may mean literal renunciation for some, and for others, the discarding of mental baggage. Much of which consists of establishing ownership over everything — self, spouse, children, home, job, things. Stop owning, the Jina suggests, and become a custodian. This instantly transforms the attitude from one of grasping, to one of caring, which can be extended in concentric circles from self, to family, community, nation, biosphere, ecosphere, and ultimately the whole universe.