Abstract

The focus of this thesis is the ethical and religious effect of human contact with the natural world in light of both the modern ecological crisis and Mohandas K. Gandhi's cautionary approach to technological excess. Religion's recurring focus on ascetical principles that recognize the dangers of greed and materialism is highlighted as a potent contribution to the religion and ecology debate. This ascetical focus was also crucial to Gandhi's notion of "khadi spirit" which called for complete renunciation of all habits, possessions and activities that caused unnecessary injury to other living beings. Pluralistic and historical methodologies are used to uncover common ascetical and nature-mystical roots in various world religions. The call to join forces in facing the challenge of the ecological crisis also engages the interreligious dialogue aspects of this area of inquiry. This challenge, the thesis concludes, can act as a catalyst for an intensification of interreligious cooperation, as well as a revitalization of religion's role in modern culture