Deep Ecology Approach in Jainism: The Example of Ahimsa

Abstract

Experiencing environmental crises and destruction of nature brought along the reorganization and questioning of nature and human relations. Conditions such as excessive consumption of resources, depletion of natural resources, leaving non-human living and/or inanimate beings in the background have opened the way for humanity to be in harmony with nature. Emphasizing that the relationship between human and nature should proceed with the principle of reciprocity, the deep ecology movement states that all humanity is responsible for ecological destruction. From a holistic point of view, deep ecology advocates that all living and/or inanimate beings have an innate core value. The principle of ahimsa, which is at the center of the belief of Jainism, shares many common aspects with its deep ecology approach. The principle of ahimsa is based on the adoption of a nonviolent life and no harm to any living and/or inanimate being. The traces of deep ecology are seen in Ahimsa teachings, which are in the belief of Jainism, paying attention to every kind of relationship with nature, and advocating a life without violence. In this study, it is aimed to include Ahimsa Teachings in Jainism on the axis of the deep ecology approach.