Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi’s views on Earth and the environment were deeply rooted in spirituality, simplicity, and non-violence. His ideas were not developed in isolation but were shaped by a range of influences, including ancient Indian philosophies, personal experiences, and global thinkers. Gandhi’s environmental philosophy emphasized living in harmony with nature, sustainable use of resources, and moral responsibility toward all living beings. This essay enumerates the key influences that helped Gandhi evolve his ideas about the Earth and environment.
1. Ancient Indian Philosophy and Texts
- Gandhi drew inspiration from Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, which emphasized duty, simplicity, and the interconnectedness of life.
- The concept of “Ahimsa” (non-violence) and “Aparigraha” (non-possession) from Jainism deeply shaped his thinking. These values encouraged care for all forms of life and rejection of material excess.
- He believed in the Vedic idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—which influenced his ecological worldview.
2. Jain and Buddhist Teachings
- The Jain principle of non-violence toward all creatures inspired Gandhi’s belief that nature should not be exploited or harmed.
- Buddhism’s focus on compassion, mindfulness, and interconnectedness also contributed to his ecological ethics.
3. Leo Tolstoy
- Gandhi was deeply influenced by the Russian writer and thinker Leo Tolstoy, especially his book “The Kingdom of God is Within You.”
- Tolstoy advocated for simple living, vegetarianism, and a return to natural living—all values that Gandhi adopted and promoted.
4. John Ruskin
- Gandhi’s reading of Ruskin’s book “Unto This Last” profoundly changed his perspective on economy and nature.
- Ruskin’s idea that the good of the individual is contained in the good of all, and that labor, especially manual labor, is noble, influenced Gandhi’s focus on rural economy and sustainable livelihoods.
5. Henry David Thoreau
- Thoreau’s work “Walden” and his essay “Civil Disobedience” had a strong impact on Gandhi’s thinking.
- Thoreau promoted self-reliance, closeness to nature, and living with minimal impact on the environment, which matched Gandhi’s lifestyle and views.
6. Indian Villages and Rural Life
- Gandhi’s travels through Indian villages exposed him to the deep connection between rural communities and the environment.
- He believed that India lived in its villages and that the traditional lifestyle of these communities was more in tune with nature.
7. Personal Experiences and Experiments
- Gandhi’s experiments with self-sufficiency, including spinning Khadi and establishing self-reliant ashrams, reflected his commitment to sustainable living.
- His simple lifestyle—eating natural food, using handmade goods, avoiding industrial products—was both a personal choice and a message to others about environmental responsibility.
8. British Industrialism and Colonialism
- Gandhi opposed the British model of industrialism, which he believed exploited both people and nature.
- He saw industrialization as a root cause of environmental destruction, inequality, and moral decay.
Conclusion
Gandhi’s environmental thinking was a product of diverse influences—religious, philosophical, literary, and experiential. He was ahead of his time in advocating for ecological sustainability, ethical living, and respect for nature. His ideas remain highly relevant in today’s world, where environmental degradation and climate change are global concerns. Understanding the influences behind Gandhi’s environmental philosophy can help guide modern efforts toward sustainable development and ecological balance.