In this paper I like to revisit Bhumisukta of the Atharvaveda in the backdrop of present-day environmentalism. It is divided into three parts. In Part 1 I like to give a synoptic view of contemporary environmentalism,...In this paper I like to revisit Bhumisukta of the Atharvaveda in the backdrop of present-day environmentalism. It is divided into three parts. In Part 1 I like to give a synoptic view of contemporary environmentalism, as reflected in Arne Naess＇s Deep Ecology. In Part 2 I make an exposition of the Bhumisukta, particularly those verses （mantras） which are directly relevant to our environmental concerns. To say the truth, this Bhumisukta （also called the Pcthivisitkta） epitomizes the Vedic Hindu eco-culture. The Bhumisukta （which literally means, the Hymn or Prayer to the Earth） is the oldest and the most evocative environmental discourse. It is called ＂the first natural anthem＂ in the history of mankind. It constitutes the first anuvgtka of dvgtda~ kgm. da of the Atharvaveda and contains 63 verses （mantras） devoted to glorifying the Earth as sacred and inviolable. Many prayers have been sung for the preservation and conservation of Nature and its gifts of splendor. The Bh^misftkta talks about human dependence on the Nature and respect for the same that follows naturally. It proclaims of the Earth as the mother, and humanity as her children Bhumisukta, putro＇ham pr. thivyah＂ In Part 3 1 like to make a brief but critical observation regarding the loss of continuity of Vedic tradition in view of an objection made by some Western environmentalists. In this concluding part I like to respond to the objection that so called eco-sensitive cultures could not avert environmental pollution and depletion of Nature in countries, like India.展开更多
文摘In this paper I like to revisit Bhumisukta of the Atharvaveda in the backdrop of present-day environmentalism. It is divided into three parts. In Part 1 I like to give a synoptic view of contemporary environmentalism, as reflected in Arne Naess＇s Deep Ecology. In Part 2 I make an exposition of the Bhumisukta, particularly those verses （mantras） which are directly relevant to our environmental concerns. To say the truth, this Bhumisukta （also called the Pcthivisitkta） epitomizes the Vedic Hindu eco-culture. The Bhumisukta （which literally means, the Hymn or Prayer to the Earth） is the oldest and the most evocative environmental discourse. It is called ＂the first natural anthem＂ in the history of mankind. It constitutes the first anuvgtka of dvgtda~ kgm. da of the Atharvaveda and contains 63 verses （mantras） devoted to glorifying the Earth as sacred and inviolable. Many prayers have been sung for the preservation and conservation of Nature and its gifts of splendor. The Bh^misftkta talks about human dependence on the Nature and respect for the same that follows naturally. It proclaims of the Earth as the mother, and humanity as her children Bhumisukta, putro＇ham pr. thivyah＂ In Part 3 1 like to make a brief but critical observation regarding the loss of continuity of Vedic tradition in view of an objection made by some Western environmentalists. In this concluding part I like to respond to the objection that so called eco-sensitive cultures could not avert environmental pollution and depletion of Nature in countries, like India.
