Hinduism has, not only the solution, but also the prevention!

[yogesh saxena]

"Hinduism has, not only the solution, but also the prevention! If
Hindu tenets were followed, the current environmental situation would
not exist. Our scriptures speak about the sacredness of the rivers,
the mountains, the plants, the oceans. We bow to the tulsi plant
before plucking her leaves. We perform worship ceremonies on the banks
of rivers. If these sanctions were truly taken to heart by Hindus and
others, we would not have reached the dire situation we now find
ourselves in. However, in terms of solutions, yes we also have
solutions. Protection of the environment is called for in our
scriptures. We pray, 'May there be peace to the heavens, peace to the
atmosphere, peace to the Earth, peace to the plants, peace to the
animals, to the water, peace to all beings.' Also, if we look again at
our number one commandment - ahimsa - that, in and of itself could
save our environment. If we truly become non-violent in our actions
and our habits (both those we directly perform and those which we
support others performing through our consumer choices) the
environment could be preserved. Being a vegetarian (the epitome of non-
violence) is actually the greatest thing any person who cares about
the environment can do. The amount of carbon dioxide your car releases
into the atmosphere in nearly a month of driving is the same amount
released by the production of one hamburger! The amount of water you
use in two months of bathing is the same amount that goes into the
production of one serving of chicken! The fish farming industry is
literally destroying our oceans. I could go on and on, but the bottom
line is that if we take even one aspect of Hinduism - ahimsa - and
implement it truly and thoroughly, we will make a huge, positive
impact.
"To love all and respect all. To heal all and hurt none. To give and
give and give. The ten commandments of Hinduism are the ten yamas and
niyamas of Patanjali's yoga sutras. The first is ahimsa. Ahimsa is the
foundation upon which our entire spiritual practice - from asana to
Samadhi - is based."

With the current dangers of global warming and other dangers to the
environment, would you say that Hinduism may have the solutions to how
man and his environment can live in harmony?

Have you got any special message for Hindu youth who may be reading
this interview?
"Never give up. You CAN d o it all. You CAN be successful and also
spiritual, professional and also pious, courageous and also
compassionate. You do not have to forsake your rich, beautiful,
ancient tradition in order to succeed and thrive in the West. In fact,
it is your anchor to your Indian and Hindu roots which will provide
you with the deep, inner happiness and meaning in your life to
parallel your external success and prosperity. You have a great amount
to share with the world. Let yourself be strongly rooted in your
divine spiritual and cultural tradition, and you will prosper, thrive
and succeed in every area of life. May God bless you all."