"Our connection with the environment is our first level of experience, and one of the most important. If our environment is clean and positive, it has a positive impact on all the other layers of our existence. As a result, they come into balance and we experience a greater sense of peace and connection within ourselves and with others around us."
Respect and care for our planet and our environment forms an intrinsic aspect of spirituality that forms the basis of the Art of Living. A healthy future for our coming generations is predicated on how we care for our environment in the present. Various projects have been initiated by the organization in water conservation, tree plantations, indigenous species protection as well as chemical free farming. An integral part of ensuring nature conservation is nurturing values about environmental issues with children and young adults. Awareness programs for youth are a vital aspect of the organization's long term vision in this direction.
Various environment projects have been spearheaded by Art of Living volunteers under the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The major initiatives undertaken include:
- Mission Green Earth - Large scale tree plantations all across the country
- Meri Dilli Meri Yamuna (My Delhi My Yamuna) – To clean the Yamuna river and mobilize the efforts of the citizens of Delhi towards this initiative.
- Development of Natueco farming (Nature Ecological Farming) – To provide an effective alternative to Chemical based farming.
- The 'Deepening Roots' initiative - To bring together educators in the fields of permaculture, health and wellness, meditation and leadership development to create youth leaders who would promote awareness and practices of sustainable agriculture.
- Sri Sri Beejkosh (Seed Bank) – To focus on promotion of indigenous seeds and traditional agricultural methods including adoption of organic farming along with avoidance of the usage of hybrids.
- The Art of Living Goshala – To preserve Indigenous Cows and aid in the production of organic, chemical free fertilizers and pesticides.
By contributing in the Dharma Sthamba Yojana, you too can be instrumental in being a part of environment conservation and help in creating a better world for the coming generations.
