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
本课程是 Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community 专项课程 专项课程的一部分
South Asian Religions & Ecology
提供方
课程信息
Completion of Introduction to Religions and Ecology and Indigenous Religions and Ecology
对员工进行热门技能培训能否为您的公司带来益处?
体验 Coursera 企业版您将获得的技能
- Philosophy
- conservation
- Religion
- Ecology
Completion of Introduction to Religions and Ecology and Indigenous Religions and Ecology
对员工进行热门技能培训能否为您的公司带来益处?
体验 Coursera 企业版提供方

耶鲁大学
For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.
授课大纲 - 您将从这门课程中学到什么
MODULE 1: Course Introduction
MODULE 2: Introduction to South Asian Ecological Challenges and Religion and Ecology
We examine some of the key environmental problems in India and the larger region. With over a billion people and with rapid industrialization, levels of pollution of air, water, and soil have increased dramatically in the last several decades. We then explore the intersections of religion and ecology and its promises for South Asia.
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.
MODULE 4: Hinduism and Loving Devotion (Bhakti) in Practice
We examine the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, especially the idea of devotion (bhakti), namely, affection to the divine as manifested in human and natural forms. Major examples of such devotion are found in the sacred rivers of India, namely the Yamuna and Ganga. We also highlight Hindu perspectives on food, animals, and biodiversity.
MODULE 5: Yoga and Jainism - Detachment from and Affirmation of the World
We look at the teachings of yoga as both an ancient philosophy and a modern practice with ecological implications. We then explore the significance of yoga for environmental awareness and action. We conclude by examining the ecological teachings of Jainism and its reverence for all forms of life.
MODULE 6: Buddhism and Ecology: The Interdependence of All Reality
This module explores the basic teachings of Buddhism and their relevance to the environment. We discuss the life of the Buddha and his key insight regarding the interdependence of all reality. We then consider the spread of Buddhism across Asia and its diverse expressions in art and culture. We also recognize the presence of Buddhism in the West and its influence on ecological engagement.
MODULE 7: Buddhism in Southeast Asia: Engaged Conservation
This module explores Buddhist forest protection in Southeast Asia as well as Buddhist attitudes toward food, animals, and biodiversity. The teachings of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thích Nhất Hạnh, are highlighted with particular attention to “interbeing,” or interdependence.
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.
MODULE 9: Course Conclusion
关于 Religions and Ecology: Restoring the Earth Community 专项课程
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.

常见问题
我什么时候能够访问课程视频和作业?
讲座和作业的访问权限取决于您的注册类型。如果您以旁听模式参加课程,则可以免费查看大多数课程资料。要访问评分作业并获得证书,您需要在旁听期间或之后购买证书体验。如果看不到旁听选项:
课程可能不提供旁听选项。您可以尝试免费试用,也可以申请助学金。
课程可能会改为提供'完整课程,没有证书'。通过此选项,您可以查看所有课程材料、提交所要求的作业,以及获得最终成绩。这也意味着您将无法购买证书体验。
我订阅此专项课程后会得到什么?
您注册课程后,将有权访问专项课程中的所有课程,并且会在完成课程后获得证书。您的电子课程证书将添加到您的成就页中,您可以通过该页打印您的课程证书或将其添加到您的领英档案中。如果您只想阅读和查看课程内容,可以免费旁听课程。
有助学金吗?
是的。如果您负担不起学习计划的注册费,则可以在选择学习计划时申请助学金或奖学金。如果您选择的学习计划提供助学金或奖学金,则您将在描述页面上看到一个申请链接。
还有其他问题吗?请访问 学生帮助中心。