This course is part of the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Mary Evelyn Tucker +1 more instructor

Offered By

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community SpecializationYale University

About this Course

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At first glance the fields of religion and ecology may seem and unlikely pairing, but a deeper consideration reveals the two have a great deal to contribute to one another and are indeed inextricably linked. Religions recognize the unity and interdependence of humans with nature. Ecological sciences affirm this deep interconnection with the natural world. This partnership can inspire work for the wellbeing of the Earth community
There is a need for broader literacy and deeper knowledge of the world’s religions and their ecological contributions. This specialization, "Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community", contributes such a perspective. Each course celebrates the vitality of religiously-informed action for the Earth and recognizes the longstanding contributions of Indigenous peoples in offering visions and practices for ecological flourishing. 

This course is part 3 of 5 of the "Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community" specialization that focuses on the ecological dimensions of religious traditions throughout the world.

The course you are about to begin is designed as a gateway to these aspects of the South Asian religions, philosophies, and practices of Hinduism, Jainism, Yoga, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Baha’i Faith. So much has emerged in the last several decades in this area, as you will see. While we have taught this course at Yale, we have adapted it for learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

This course is for lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology, environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation, those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, and religion leaders and laity who wish to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental projects.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 3 of 5 in the

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Beginner Level

Completion of Introduction to Religions and Ecology and Indigenous Religions and Ecology

Approx. 15 hours to complete

English

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Skills you will gain

Philosophy
conservation
Religion
Ecology

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 3 of 5 in the

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Beginner Level

Completion of Introduction to Religions and Ecology and Indigenous Religions and Ecology

Approx. 15 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Mary Evelyn Tucker

Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar

Yale School of the Environment

35,844 Learners

13 Courses

John Grim

Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar

Yale School of the Environment

35,844 Learners

13 Courses

Offered by

Yale University

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

MODULE 1: Course Introduction

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 14 min), 6 readings

4 videos

Land Acknowledgement - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker1mCourse Overview: South Asian Religions and Ecology2mPersonal Introduction - Mary Evelyn Tucker5mPersonal Introduction - John Grim3m

6 readings

Course Rationale2m How this course is organized 1mLearn more about your Instructors5m(Optional) Religion and Ecology Conferences and Book Series, 1996-1998 Pre-video introduction: "The Promise of Planetary Health" 1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

Week2

Week 2

1 hour to complete

MODULE 2: Introduction to South Asian Ecological Challenges and Religion and Ecology

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 52 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz

4 videos

Sunil Amrith, “Environmental Challenges in India.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker18mPrasenjit Duara, “Indigenous History and Environmental Movements in Asia.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker10mLecture - What is Religion? - Mary Evelyn Tucker4mLecture - Introduction to the Study of Religion and Ecology - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker18m

8 readings

Pre-video introduction: “Environmental Challenges in India"1mIndia’s Environmental Challenges in 10 Images 5mHow is India dealing with environmental risks and climate change? 6mPre-video introduction: “Indigenous History and Environmental Movements in Asia"1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-lecture introduction: “Introduction to the Study of Religion and Ecology” 1m(Optional) The Movement of Religion and Ecology: Emerging Field and Dynamic Force(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 2: Introduction to South Asian Ecological Challenges and Religion and Ecology10m

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

MODULE 3: Hinduism and Ecology - From Vedas to Vedanta (Upanishads)

We explore some of the oldest scriptures in the world, the Vedas and the Upanishads, and their connections to nature. These foundational texts have been studied and interpreted for centuries in India and are now translated into many languages. They have also influenced many Western writers and thinkers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and T.S. Elliot. Now their ecological implications are being appreciated for religious environmentalism.

2 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 45 min), 10 readings, 1 quiz

7 videos

Lecture - Religious Ecology in the Vedas: Indus River Valley Civilization - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker8mLecture - Religious Ecology in the Vedas: Fire, Sacrifice, and Cosmic Order - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker7mLecture - Religious Ecology in the Vedas: Class, Sound, and Household Ritual - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker7mLecture - Religious Cosmology in the Upanishads: Introduction - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker6m Lecture - Religious Cosmology in the Upanishads: From Rita to Brahman - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker7mLecture - Religious Cosmology in the Upanishads: Asramas and Karma - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker3mLecture - Religious Cosmology in the Upanishads: Renunciation and the Great Self - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker3m

10 readings

Introduction to Vedas 1mThe Importance of Religious Ecology in the Vedas1mSelections from Vedic Hymns11mHinduism in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 13m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreIntroduction to the Upanishads 1mReligious Cosmology: Interior Sacrifice in the Upanishads1mSelections from the Upanishads 9mResources on Hinduism and Ecology 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 3: Hinduism and Ecology - From Vedas to Vedanta (Upanishads)10m

Week4

Week 4

3 hours to complete

MODULE 4: Hinduism and Loving Devotion (Bhakti) in Practice

3 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 59 min), 20 readings, 1 quiz

6 videos

David Haberman, “Bhakti and Religious Environmentalism for the Yamuna River.” Interview by John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker13m Lecture - Purity, Pollution, and Devotion: A Case Study of the Yamuna River - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker9mLecture - Purity, Pollution, and Devotion: Conference in India - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker8m Lecture - Purity, Pollution, and Devotion: Key Terms and Concepts - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker 9mAcharya Shrivasta Goswami, “Hindu Devotionalism and Religious Ecology at Krishna’s Birthplace.” Interview by John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker11mSunderlal Bahuguna, “From an Economic to an Ecological Movement” 6m

20 readings

Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita 1mPre-video introduction: “The Mahabharata” 1m (Optional) Learn more about the Mahabharata film adaptationSelections from the Bhagavad Gita 14m Pre-video introduction: “Bhakti and Religious Environmentalism for the Yamuna River” 1m (Optional) Hinduism: Devotional Love of the World(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreWater, Wood, and Wisdom: Ecological Perspectives from the Hindu Traditions20mPurity, Pollution, and Devotion in Hinduism and Ecology1mGoddess of Love18mPre-video introduction: “Hindu Devotionalism and Religious Ecology at Krishna’s Birthplace” 1mPre-video introduction: “India’s effort to clean up sacred but polluted Ganga River” 1mPre-video introduction: “From an Economic to an Ecological Movement” 1m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreGandhi’s Agrarian Legacy: Practicing Food, Justice, and Sustainability in India 12mWhy Indian farmers’ protests are being called a “satyagraha”5mPre-video introduction: “Hinduism on Animals” 1mHinduism and Biodiversity 8m (Optional): Hinduism and Ecology conference at Govardhan Ecovillage(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 4: Hinduism and Loving Devotion (Bhakti) Toward Nature10m

Week5

Week 5

3 hours to complete

MODULE 5: Yoga and Jainism - Detachment from and Affirmation of the World

3 hours to complete

1 video (Total 15 min), 18 readings, 1 quiz

1 video

Lecture - Introduction to Yoga - John Grim and Mary Evelyn Tucker14m

18 readings

The Yoga Tradition 22mThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 23m (Optional) Pre-video introduction: “Yoga and Ecology”(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Introduction to Jainism” 1mThe Jain Religion in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 10mJainism and Ecology 23mTheir dream is for a world of nonviolence 5m(Optional) Gandhi and Jainism(Optional) Jain Literature Pre-video introduction: “Interview on Practice as a Wandering Jain Monk”1m Resources on Jainism and Ecology 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MorePre-video introduction: “Life of Jain Monks (Glimpses)” 1mPre-video introduction: “Jainism on Animals” 1mBiodiversity as Reflected in Jainism and the Ways of Its Protection 22m (Optional) Jainism and Ecology: Nonviolence in the Web of Life (Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 5: Yoga and Jainism - Detachment from and Affirmation of the World10m

Week6

Week 6

2 hours to complete

MODULE 6: Buddhism and Ecology: The Interdependence of All Reality

2 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 25 min), 11 readings, 1 quiz

2 videos

Lecture - The Life of the Buddha and His Teachings - Mary Evelyn Tucker 10m Lecture - Diverse Expressions of Buddhism in Art Across Asia - Mary Evelyn Tucker 13m

11 readings

Jataka Tales: The Birth Story of the Great Monkey 18mThe Buddha triumphing over Mara 4m(Optional) Pre-video introduction: “The Story of the Bodhi Tree”Introduction to the Dhammapada 1mSelections from “The Dhammapada” 13m(Optional) Basic Doctrines of Theravada Buddhism(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreBuddhism in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 11m Pre-video introduction: “Buddhism and Ecology” 1m(Optional) Buddhism: A Mixed Dharmic Bag: Debates about Buddhism and Ecology(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 6: Buddhism and Ecology: The Interdependence of All Reality10m

Week7

Week 7

2 hours to complete

MODULE 7: Buddhism in Southeast Asia: Engaged Conservation

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 36 min), 14 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Guest Lecture - Religious Ecology in Shantideva's Bodhicharyāvatāra - Matthew Blake16m Guest Lecture - Buddhist Agricultural Rituals in Upcountry Sri Lanka - Sam King12mPasang Yangjee Sherpa, “Climate Change and Food Security in the Himalayas.” Interview by Mary Evelyn Tucker7m

14 readings

“Buddhist monk ordains trees to help the environment” 5mBuddhist Environmental Imaginaries 10mPre-video introduction: “Cambodian Monks ‘Ordain’ Trees in Anti-Logging Effort” 1mResources on Buddhism and Ecology 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn MoreSvaha! 12mPre-video introduction: “Moving Beyond the Idea of “Environment” 1mThích Nhất Hạnh on The Practice of Mindfulness 9m(Optional) Ways to Learn More Pre-video introduction: “Animals and the Buddha” 1mBuddha and the Beasts 7mVegetarianism as Practice 6mPre-video introduction: “Climate Change and Food Security in the Himalayas”1m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 7: Buddhism in Southeast Asia: Engaged Conservation10m

Week8

Week 8

2 hours to complete

MODULE 8: Sikhism and the Baha’i Faith: Unity of Spirit and Matter

We examine the teachings of Sikhism as articulated by their founder, Guru Nanak, and their central scripture, Adi Granth. In Sikh understanding there is no separation between humans and the rest of nature; this gives rise to an environmental ethic of care explicitly expressed in Sikh tree planting and a social justice ethic focused on food distribution. The second section emphasizes the Baha’i Faith and the ways it integrates the teaching of unity with ecological knowledge and engagement. For several decades, the Baha’i Faith has been actively engaged in international forums on the environment.

2 hours to complete

15 readings

15 readings

Pre-video introduction: “Sikhism Introduction” 1mEnvironmental Theology in Sikhism17mPre-video introduction: “What does the Sikh tradition have to say about the environment?” 1mThe Sikh Religion in “Faith for Earth: A Call for Action” 10mPre-video introduction: “Sikhism on Animals” 1mPre-video introduction: “Guru Nanak Sacred Forest in Defense to India’s Extreme Pollution” 1mResources on Sikhism and Ecology 5m (Optional) Ways to Learn MoreBahá’ís of India 5mPre-video introduction: “Behind the Baha’i Faith, one of the fastest growing religions” 1mThe Baha’i Faith in "Faith for Earth: A Call for Action"5mPre-video introduction: "The Baha’i Worldview"1mOverview of Baha’i Faith and Ecology 31mResources on the Baha’i Faith 5m(Optional) Ways to Learn More

1 practice exercise

Module 8: Sikhism and the Baha’i Faith: Unity of Spirit and Matter10m

Week9

Week 9

7 minutes to complete

MODULE 9: Course Conclusion

7 minutes to complete

1 video (Total 2 min), 1 reading

About the Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community Specialization

Why do religions matter when we talk about environmental problems and solutions?

The environmental crisis is not simply a political, economic, or technological problem; it is a moral and spiritual call to long-term change. Religious narratives resonate with large numbers of people —85% of the world’s population belong to religious communities. Religions have educational institutions around the world that can inspire people for an ecologically just future. Religious structures and sacred spaces provide a symbolic and practical context for aligning humans with nature. Religions have financial assets that can be used for transformative change, such as divestment and reinvestment. To whom will these courses appeal? Lifelong learners curious to know more about world religions and ecology Environmental professionals eager to deepen the discourse of environmental protection and conservation Those working with non-profit organizations and NGOs on issues of ecological justice, especially where minority communities are adversely affected Those involved in education -- College and high school students looking for a broader view of religion and spirituality, teachers developing curriculum, Those involved in the world’s religions -- Religious leaders and laity who want to know how they can contribute to interreligious dialogue on environmental issues; Religious communities interested in building engaging projects, such as the restoration of local bioregions.

Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community

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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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South Asian Religions & Ecology

About this Course

Skills you will gain