92 93 Two Important Principles of Hinduism 1. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The whole world is one family The essence of this concept is derived from the Maha Upanishad, part of the Atharva Veda. The specific verse that reflects this sentiment is: VI-71. Resorting to the inner Spirit of renunciation, apparently he acts to achieve (some) aim (or other). Only small men discriminate saying: One is a relative; the other is a stranger. VI-72-73(a). For those who live magnanimously the entire world constitutes but a family. Resort to the status free from all considerations of empirical life, beyond old age and death, who are all mental constructions are extinguished and where no attachments finds lodgement 2. Nishkama Karma: The principle of Nishkama Karma, commonly translated as selfless action or action without attachment to the results, is a foundational concept in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Bhagavad Gita. "You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction." Bhagavad Gita 2.47 The principle of Nishkama Karma, advocating action without attachment to outcomes, intersects with environmental sustainability by encouraging individuals to engage in conservation efforts selflessly, focusing on the well-being of the environment and future generations rather than personal gain. By embracing interconnectedness with nature and acting with a long-term perspective, practitioners of Nishkama Karma contribute to the protection and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, promoting a sustainable relationship between humans and the environment. Compiled by Fr. Lumnesh Swaroop Kumar, SJ, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India This passage teaches us to share the resources we have with one another. This helps us understand the just way of sharing natural resources with one another and thus learn from nature what sharing means. Manusmriti: Manusmriti is an ancient legal text in Hinduism. • 1.16. But, joining minute particles even of those six, which possess measureless power, with particles of himself, he created all beings. • 5.46. He who does not seek to cause the sufferings of bonds and death to living creatures, (but) desires the good of all (beings), obtains endless bliss. • 6.66. To whatever order he may be attached, let him, though blemished (by a want of the external marks), fulfil his duty, equal-minded towards all creatures; (for) the external mark (of the order) is not the cause of (the acquisition of) merit. • 6.68. In order to preserve living creatures, let him always by day and by night, even with pain to his body, walk, carefully scanning the ground. • 7.3. For, when these creatures, being without a king, through fear dispersed in all directions, the Lord created a king for the protection of this whole (creation). • 8.347. Neither for friendship’s sake, nor for the sake of great lucre, must a king let go perpetrators of violence, who cause terror to all creatures. • 12.99. The eternal lore of the Veda upholds all created beings; hence I hold that to be supreme, which is the means of (securing happiness to) these creatures.
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