Calling to the mind: exploring the interlinkages of mindfulness, morality, and ecological sustainability

Ecosystems across the world are facing catastrophic effects due to high degree of environmental pressures coupled with lack of ecological consciousness among a large section of the society. This is partly attributed to the fact that people tend to equate their well-being with enhanced consumption, and material accumulation, and are reluctant to adopt lifestyle changes toward sustainable consumption. However, a number of recent studies demonstrate that human well-being is rooted in a complex array of psychological factors and sociological influences, rather than material wealth alone. In this chapter we contribute to these existing debates by analyzing how mindfulness can be used as a tool to promote ecological sensitivity and ethical behaviors among practitioners. Based on empirical research among Buddhist and Sikh mindfulness practitioners in India and Vietnam, the study demonstrates how ethical dimensions of mindfulness can help to motivate an orientation toward sustainability and other centeredness. These in turn pay a “double dividend” in terms of contribution to a sustainable way of life as well as a greater sense of well-being.