Key learning points

1. The concept of Dharma and human responsibility can encourage Hindus to care for the environment.
2. The figure of Bhumi as sacred mother earth can encourage Hindus to care for the environment.
3. All living things on earth contain within them the atman as a spark of the divine.
4. The principle of ahimsa means that many Hindus are vegetarian, and this can also benefit the environment.
5. All living things should be treated with compassion according to Hindu teachings about human dharma.

Keywords

• Ahimsa - the principle of non-violence towards any living thing

• Bhumi - the earth or earth goddess, representing the natural world and all the life it sustains

• Dharma - the essence of things, the eternal laws that sustain the universe

• Sacred - something that is considered holy, divine, or deserving of great respect and reverence

• Vegetarian - someone who does not eat any meat, fish or poultry

Common misconception