Interconnectivity and Importance of Environment and Nature in Spiritual and Religious Tradition

Authors

  • Sourasis Chattopadhyay Department of Computer Science and Information, Asia University, Taiwan.

Keywords:

Spiritual Ecology; , Spiritual Wellbeing; , Religious; , Spiritual Ideals

Abstract

This research explores the interconnectivity and significance of the environment and nature within spiritual and religious traditions, emphasizing spirituality as a human sensibility that evolves through a deep connection with the environment. By engaging with both the tangible and intangible realms, individuals foster an understanding of the infinite, finding spiritual motivation and conceptions. Almost universally, religious traditions recognize nature as a divine and transformative force, underscoring the spiritual imperative to conserve the environment—a concern now elevated to a global agenda. This study aims to revive ancient spiritual ecology ideals to promote environmental conservation and enhance human well-being. Using a conceptual framework grounded in spiritual and social consciousness, this research integrates established theories on spiritual ecology with traditional religious customs, examining their role in fostering environmental awareness and cognitive growth. Data and findings from recent studies highlight the urgency of addressing environmental degradation and psychological challenges across diverse communities. By aligning religious and spiritual beliefs with environmental conservation, this study presents spiritual ecology as a potent model for encouraging sustainable behaviors and fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.

References

Abumoghli, I. (2022). Reimagining the Human Environment Relationship: Religion and the Environment. Reimagining the Human-Environment Relationship. [Social-Religious]. UNEP. https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:8838/UNUUNEP_Abumoghli_RHER.pdf

Bliss, C. (2022). Conservation, culture, and consciousness: Awakening to a re-imagined vision of nature co-existence. In POLLEN. https://politicalecologynetwork.org/2022/08/24/ conse rvation-culture-and-consciousness-awakening-to-a-re-imagined-vision-of-nature-co-existence/

Crockett, J. (2021). An Ecological Spirituality. In Ecological Spirituality | The Natural Contemplative. http://www.naturalcontemplative.com/essays/ecospiritual.html

Egri, C. P. (1999). Nature in Spiritual Traditions: Social and Cultural Implications for Environmental Change. In F. Fischer & M. Hajer (Eds.), Living with Nature (1st ed., pp. 58–80). Oxford University PressOxford. https://doi.org/10.1093/019829509X.003.0004

Henning, H., & Henning, M. (2021). Reflections on the nature of spirituality: Evolutionary context, biological mechanisms, and future directions. Journal for the Study of Spirituality, 11(2), 174–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/20440243.2021.1955453

Irvine, K. N., Hoesly, D., Bell-Williams, R., & Warber, S. L. (2019). Biodiversity and Spiritual Well-being. In M. R. Marselle, J. Stadler, H. Korn, K. N. Irvine, & A. Bonn (Eds.), Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change (pp. 213–247). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02318-8_10

Kamitsis, I., & Francis, A. J. P. (2013). Spirituality mediates the relationship between engagement with nature and psychological wellbeing. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 36, 136–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.07.013

KRMAN, M. A. (2014). Religious And Secularist Views of the Nature and The Environment. The Journal of International Social Research, 1(3), 1–11.

Leung, C. H., & Pong, H. K. (2021). Cross-sectional study of the relationship between the spiritual wellbeing and psychological health among university Students. PLOS ONE, 16(4), e0249702. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249702

Mickey, S. (2020). Spiritual Ecology: On the Way to Ecological Existentialism. Religions, 11(11), 580. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11110580

Munsoor, M. S., & Munsoor. (2021). Wellbeing and the Worshipper. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66131-1

Okyere-Manu, B., Morgan, S. N., & Nwosimiri, O. (2022). Cultural, ethical, and religious perspectives on environment preservation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 85, 94–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.09.004

Omoyajowo, K., Danjin, M., Omoyajowo, K., Odipe, O., Mwadi, B., May, A., Amos Ogunyebi, & Rabie, M. (2023). Exploring the interplay of environmental conservation within spirituality and multicultural perspective: Insights from a cross-sectional study. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03319-5

Pirri, M. D. (2019). Spirituality, the connection to nature, and the role of shamanic rituals. Forest and Nature Conservation Policy Group. https://edepot.wur.nl/472319

Rawat, G., & Mishra, S. (2021). Spirituality and Environment: Significance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Africa and Challenges. Literary Endeavour, 12(1). https://literary endeavour.org/files/kcha5jff0kqmjjbwyw1f/2021-01%2012%20SPIRITUALITY%20AND%20ENVIRONMENT%20SIGNIFICANCE%20OF%20INDIGENOUS%20KNOWLEDGE%20SYSTEMS%20IN%20AFRICA%20AND%20CHALLENGES.pdf

Sayem, Md. A. (2018). Religious Understanding of Nature and Influence of Geographical Environment on Shaping Religious Beliefs and Practices within Christianity and Islam. KARSA: Journal of Social and Islamic Culture, 26(2), 195. https://doi.org/10. 19105/karsa.v26i2.1777

Schauer, B., Koch, K., Lemieux, L., & Willey, K. (2016). How Immersion in Nature Impacts the Human Spirit: A How Immersion in Nature Impacts the Human Spirit: A Phenomenological Study Phenomenological Study. Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research. https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs/8

Sharma, N. (2023). Spirituality, mindfulness, and eco-consciousness: The interconnected path. In IMI Insights. https://imiinsights.wordpress.com/2023/06/12/spirituality-mindfulness-and-eco-consciousness-the-interconnected-path/

Shirlin, J. J., & Selvaraj, A. (2023). Nature and Spirituality in Animal Dreams: An Ecotheological Analysis. Nature and Spirituality in Animal Dreams: An Ecotheological Analysis, 12(11), 396–404. https://doi.org/10.48047/ecb/2023.12.11.32

Summer, I. (2023). Spiritual ecology: Honoring nature as a path to enlightenment. In Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@indigo.summer444/spiritual-ecology-honoring-nature-as-a-path-to-enlightenment-881dda95bb18

Trigwell, J. L., Francis, A. J. P., & Bagot, K. L. (2014). Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: Spirituality as a Potential Mediator. Ecopsychology, 6(4), 241–251. https://doi.org/ 10.1089/eco.2014.0025

Downloads

Published

01-09-2024

How to Cite

Chattapadhyay, S. (2024). Interconnectivity and Importance of Environment and Nature in Spiritual and Religious Tradition . Intersecta Minds Journal, 3(3), 43–58. retrieved from https://so13.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IMJ/article/view/578