Ecology and the Environment in the Face of Climate Change, Pollution and Animal Welfare

By Parveen Jain

Our universe is an interconnected, intertwined, and interdependent network of sentient and inanimate beings that support the existence of each other. Jain thinkers contemplated this concept millennia ago and postulated that irreversible damage to or the extinction of species could create imbalances affecting the remaining species. Similar to the gravitational pull between the planet and a space orbiter, it is essential that the web of life maintains a balance of forces; without that balance it will crash and be destroyed.

Jain doctrine emphasizes this universal interdependence and teaches compassion toward all forms of life, ecology, and the environment through its fundamental tenet of nonviolence (ahiṁsā). The harmful treatment and killing of animals, the unnecessary destruction of ecology, uncontrolled lifestyles that result in environmental degradation, and other such detrimental acts are considered manifestations of violence and must be avoided. The principle of non-possessiveness (aparigraha) promotes the minimal use of materials for living, thereby reducing the waste of valuable resources.

Humans, supposedly endowed with the highest form of intelligence of all creatures on Earth, must consequently have a heightened sense of responsibility. We must be compassionate, careful, and restrained in our actions, avoiding ecological damage through pollution and other factors, exercising the cruelty-free treatment of animals, and conducting ourselves in a considerate manner toward others. Everything around us should be regarded as a gift of nature to us, and we must treat it with respect and restraint.

For more information, please see chapter 12 in An Introduction to Jain Philosophy.