Principles and Practice of Sustainability in Maharishi Vedic Science

Abstract

Concepts such as the “self-sufficient” and “self-perpetuating” nature of human consciousness and “man must learn to live in harmony with nature”, and programs such as Vedic organic agriculture and creating a “global green revolution”, are situated centrally in Maharishi Vedic Science—the complete science of the Veda and Vedic Literature as presented by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. A prima facie case can therefore be made that these and other elements suggest Maharishi Vedic Science may play a part in creating a sustainable future for humanity. However, the potential role of Vedic knowledge and technology in, and its practical contribution to, the conversation surrounding sustainability science have yet to be fully explored. Research undertaken to date, while extensive, has been restricted mostly to the relationship of Maharishi Vedic Science to agriculture (with a particular focus on soil science and genetically-modified food) and, to a lesser degree, architecture and forestry. For this reason, the present paper considers the fundamental principles and practice of sustainability in Maharishi Vedic Science and explores its possible impact on creating a sustainable world future.