Sustainability and Environmental Ethics in Indian Knowledge System

Sustainability and environmental ethics are deeply rooted in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS),which encompasses ancient philosophical, spiritual and scientific traditions that have long emphasizedthe interconnectedness of humans, nature and the cosmos. These ideas are integral to many Indianphilosophies, religious texts and practices, offering insights into how human societies can achieveharmony with the environment. Sustainability and environmental ethics have been central to the IndianKnowledge System (IKS) for millennia, deeply ingrained in the nation's religious, spiritual andphilosophical traditions. Rooted in concepts of interconnectedness, non-violence and respect for nature,IKS offers a holistic framework for understanding human-environment relationships that is relevant inaddressing contemporary environmental crises. This article explores the various dimensions ofsustainability and environmental ethics in IKS, including the philosophical underpinnings ofsustainability in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and indigenous knowledge systems, as well as theancient practices of ecological conservation. The study highlights key ethical principles such as Ahimsa(non-violence), Panchabhuta (the five elements) and the sacredness of nature, which informenvironmental stewardship. It also examines the ways in which traditional practices, such as waterconservation, organic farming and reverence for sacred groves, promote environmental sustainability.The contemporary relevance of these ancient principles can be explored in light of present ecologicalchallenges, particularly in the context of biodiversity loss, climate change and resource depletion. Thearticle concludes by emphasizing the potential of IKS to guide sustainable practices in thecontemporary world, bridging ancient wisdom and modern environmental science. Through the lensof IKS, we see that sustainability is not merely a technical or economic issue but a deeply ethical andspiritual one, requiring a profound shift in human consciousness toward the natural world.