The Indian tradition and culture has been environmental conservation oriented. The traditional Indian life was based on a subtle and silent relationship with Nature. The ancient Indian sages identified man as an integral part of Nature and stressed the importance of maintaining complete harmony with all the living and nonliving components of earth. They knew well that Nature and human kind (i.e. Prakriti and Purusha) from an inseparable part of the life support system. The ancient Ayurvedic and Yoga Acharyas had the wisdom to consider the human environment from the point of view of physical, chemical and biological, and social processes, and influences that directly or indirectly have significant effect on the health and wellbeing of mankind. Their primary concern was that of the maintenance of positive health for body, mind and spirit and for the same they have prescribed certain specific measures (Swasthavritta) in the form of routine (Dincharya) and seasonal regimens (Ritucharya). This included regulations in diet, personal hygiene, physical and mental exercise (yoga and meditation), behaviour etc. Equal importance was given to both external (seasonal, clinical, geographic, socio-economic) and internal (mental and spiritual) environments for better health, welfare, peace and to attain balance and harmony of humankind with Nature. They had a clear insight and intuition on the hidden knowledge of Nature and also could foresee the possibilities of the harm that man could do to the environment. To safeguard this dangerous tendency they have expounded various rules, regulations, duties and responsibilities to man. So as to guide his relationship with the follow creatures and the environment as a whole. These teachings are surprisingly more relevant to the present day problems. Man has now to rediscover and re-employ these age old values, traditions, way of life etc., for his survival as well as for his continued stay on this planet.
Key words: Indian tradition, Prakriti and Purusha, Ritucharya, Dincharya, Swasthavritta.
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