Endorsements
Esteemed thinkers and practitioners share their reflections on Yogecology.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha
Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH
(Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in the Government of India
The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "the world is one family," has long been a guiding principle in Indian philosophy. It reflects the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment, a concept echoed in Ayurveda, the science of life. Ayurveda emphasizes holistic health for all, including every living being, recognizing the deep interdependence between people, nature, and the cosmos.
The concept of Panchamahabhutas, earth (Prithvi), water (Jal), fire (Agni), air (Vayu), and ether (Akasha)-forms the cornerstone of Ayurvedic philosophy, linking the human body to the environment. Just as the Earth is a living organism, so too is the human body a microcosm of the larger natural world. Our health is determined by the balance of these elements within us, and when they are in harmony with the natural environment, our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being is optimized. Disruptions in the environment-such as pollution, climate change, or deforestation-can disturb this delicate balance, leading to illness and dis-ease. This profound interconnectedness between the body and the environment reinforces the need for environmental preservation as a means of sustaining not only the planet but also the health of all living beings.
In Yogecology: Spirit in the Soil, the authors skillfully merge ancient wisdom with contemporary environmental challenges. By highlighting the Bishnoi community's transformative conservation efforts in Rajasthan, they demonstrate how desertification can be reversed and biodiversity preserved. These teachings align with global sustainability goals like SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), emphasizing the vital role of environmental consciousness in securing a sustainable future.
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj,' symbolizes unity and reminds us of our interconnectedness with nature. The Earth, as a sacred living being, must be respected, and its destruction threatens our survival. Yogeco/ogy reinforces that regenerating biodiversity and honoring the Earth is both a moral and existential imperative, urging collective action rooted in ancient wisdom. I deeply appreciate the authors' efforts in bringing this important message to light.
Dr H R Nagendra
Chancellor of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA)
President of Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (VYASA)
It brings me immense joy to introduce you to the profound insights encapsulated within the pages of "Yogecology," a book that resonates deeply with the ethos of eco-spirituality. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of existence, it becomes increasingly imperative to harmonize our relationship with nature, recognizing the interconnectedness that binds all life forms.
From ancient times till today, yogi’s have attempted to explain the role yoga plays in keeping humans connected to their ecosystem. The gifted visionary Guru Gorakhnath and his disciple Shri Jasnath made their study at this intersection, and worked a lifetime to explain the importance of protecting the fragile agreements therein. Within these pages, you will discover a treasure trove of teachings that illuminate the path towards a more harmonious existence with nature. From ancient practices that foster a deep reverence for the natural world to contemporary insights that inspire sustainable living, "Yogecology" serves as a beacon of hope in our quest for planetary well-being.
As custodians of this planet, it is our solemn duty to safeguard its delicate ecosystems and honor the sanctity of all living beings. Through the transformative power of yoga and ecological consciousness, we have the opportunity to cultivate a world where humanity thrives in harmony with nature, nurturing a legacy of abundance for generations to come.
May the wisdom contained within these pages inspire you to embark on your own journey of eco-spiritual discovery, weaving together the threads of yoga and ecology to create a more beautiful and sustainable world.
Dr. Vandana Shiva
Environmental activist, food sovereignty advocate, ecofeminist and anti-globalisation author;
Founder of Navdanya
Yogecology: Spirit in the Soil is an important book that brings to the readers the ecospiritual teachings of Saints like Guru Gorakhnath, Sri Dev Jasnath and Guru Jambeshwar (Jambhoji) who founded the Bishnoi religion of conservation that made the desert of Rajasthan green. We can reverse desertification worldwide and address climate change and biodiversity loss by learning from ecological societies and cultures such as these.
The Earth is sacred, alive, the source of life and abundance. Because we depend on nature for sustenance, the destruction of it translates into violation of the human right to access food and water, and to pursue a livelihood. All ecological problems have common roots in a denial of the Earth as a living system, and the limits her cycles place on human actions.
We are part of Nature. We are Members of One Earth Family. Through our Oneness with Nature we have the power to Regenerate the Earth. Yoga is the cultivation of the consciousness that we are interconnected with nature—all her beings; we are interconnected with members of community and society; we are deeply connected within ourselves as integral, sovereign, conscious beings.
Ecospirituality allows us, uniquely as humans, to regenerate Earth by recommitting to our indelible attachment to herald all beings. Yogecology: Spirit in the Soil harmonizes the ecospirituality of Rajasthan with our lost understanding of land stewardship through the natural farming techniques prevalent in that region. By following the teachings of Jasnathji and Jambhoji, we can once again become conscious of our Oneness with Mother Earth and act in accordance with our ecological dharma in the protection and regeneration of Earth.
Prof. Vd. Pradeep Kumar Prajapati
Hon'ble Vice Chancellor at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University (DSRRAU), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
It's my pleasure to say something on the book written by Guru Surajanath Siddh ji and Shreejan Sita ji entitled, Yogecology – Spirit in the Soil. This book is divided into 15 chapters with special messages and action steps. The central theme of this book is the profound influence of nature on human life and how our environment directly affects our daily routines, health, and mental well-being. Guru Surajanath Siddh Ji presents the concept of Yoga practices with scientific clarity, illustrating how the natural world—its rhythms, energies, and imbalances—deeply impacts both the physical and mental states of the human body. Through a blend of traditional wisdom and modern insights, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of how aligning with nature leads to a more balanced, harmonious life.
Yoga, a profound spiritual and philosophical tradition originating in ancient India, is far more than a physical discipline. It is a way of living that promotes harmony within us and with the world around us.
“योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्” — Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 50.
Though widely practiced today for its benefits to physical health, flexibility, and stress relief, the deeper essence of yoga lies in its ability to unite the individual with the universe. At its core, yoga nurtures a lifestyle of awareness, balance, and respect—values that closely align with environmental consciousness and sustainability.
I express my best wishes for this book on the importance of yoga with sustainability of environment making it more inherent
with mankind.
Dr. S.S. Agarwal
President, AIIMS Jodhpur and Chairman, Rajasthan Hospital
I am pleased to know that the Shridev Jasnath Trust is publishing Yogecology: Spirit in the Soil, a book that beautifully bridges the spiritual wisdom of Yoga with the scientific principles of Ecology. In today's world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discourse, the need for a holistic perspective that integrates nature, human well-being, and spiritual consciousness has never been greater.
The concept of Yogecology presents an insightful approach - one that not only addresses ecological restoration but also highlights the profound inter-connectedness between humans and nature. The teachings of Shri Jasnath Asan, as captured in this book, emphasize the importance of learning from nature's cycles, understanding the impact of human actions on the environment, and fostering a mindset of responsibility and sustainability. This perspective aligns with the age-old Indian tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-the world as one family-where nature is revered as a sacred entity rather than merely a resource to be exploited.
From a healthcare and well-being standpoint, this book serves as an important reminder that environmental health and human health are deeply linked. Just as a balanced body leads to a healthy mind, a balanced ecosystem is essential for the well-being of societies. The loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and pollution are not just environmental concerns; they are pressing human health issues that impact physical, mental, and social well-being. Yogecology provides valuable insights into how ancient spiritual practices can guide us toward ecological sustainability, offering practical wisdom that can inspire both individuals and policymakers.
The research and reflections presented in this book will be instrumental in shaping a new consciousness, one that encourages collective action towards a healthier planet. I congratulate the authors and contributors for their efforts in bringing forth such an essential work. I am confident that this book will not only benefit readers but also inspire meaningful dialogue and action in the direction of ecological harmony and sustainable living.
Dr. Anand K. Plappally
(PhD (Engg), the Ohio State), Professor Center for Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur
Yogecology: Spirit in the Soil is a must-have guide for any family inhabiting Mother Earth. At par with Upanishads, Yogecology is a masterpiece handbook that compassionately calls to action during our beleaguered fight against the colonization of the
human mind. The revered mystic of Gorakhnath-Jasnath lineage Yogeshwar Surajnathji Siddh along with Karma Yogi Shreejan Sita Maa and other masters in the team weave actionable daily life pathways to keep ourselves at bay from the clutches of wrath of Kaliyuga. They expound on the silent practice of Karma, Bhakti, Gnana and Yoga exercises to help human being retain the tracks towards para vidya.
A stimulating read, the mystics delve into issues ranging from natural resource management to status of the women or Shakti in society. The refreshing book also details soil management, water conservation, protecting egoless plants, and yoga practice. Dr. Ilse Köhler-Rollefson, Nari Shakti Award winner pens about the pastoral communities alongside chipping in empathetic concerns of animal conservation to the present generations. The holistic yoga defined in this text, will show the light towards stilling the clamoring sense organs and will make your mind steady and pure.
The description of art and culture to the food engineering amongst locals of the Thar desert gets invigorating as you peruse through the pages. From Trataka to Nada yoga and Agni to the sounds of birds, this self-enlightening masterwork clarifies the omnipresence of Om. Renowned Biologist Sharon K. Schafer artistically brings to life the ecology of the Thar desert in its truest forms to make it a feast for bird lovers and ornithologists.
The book’s Inspiring real-life instances and cited advice snippets from great epics makes you embrace a positive disposition as Maya takes you through different ecosystems and inhabitations across the globe. Ramnivas Bishnoi and Sumitra Choudhary reminisces the heritage of the Chipko and takes from Ber to Ker savories respectively. The mystics reiterate the importance of dedicated practice of inherited traditional knowledge and skills for the sustenance of a community in a specific region. The book also shouts out to futurists, telling that the ecological crisis is rooted onto unplanned innovational accidents of human development.
If you plan a soulful practice of Yoga in its holistic form in this lifetime, read this beautifully crafted piece of wisdom. Artist Georgina Umney joins the mystics to reconsider drawing, singing, and dancing Yoga in an act to encourage “I’m creative” behaviors in human beings. This collection of handy practices may edify minds who seemed to have lost hope, parley waste to value, and to understand that humans have not grown at par with animals to adapt and live sustainably. Finally, it’s an illuminating & empathetic mystical discourse that may bring your mind back to its balanced roots.
सतीश कुमार
शूमाकर कॉलेज, यूके के संस्थापक; रिसर्जेंस एवं इकोलॉजिस्ट पत्रिका के एमेरिटस संपादक।
" योगेकोलॉजी एक समयानुकूल पुस्तक है। यह जीवन का एक समग्र और एकीकृत दर्शन प्रस्तुत करती है और आध्यात्मिक मूल्यों को पारिस्थितिक मूल्यों के साथ जोड़ती है। व्यक्तिगत कल्याण और ग्रह कल्याण समान जुड़वां हैं। इस पुस्तक में सभी योगदानकर्ताओं का अंतर्निहित संदेश एक ही है; यदि हमारी धरती माता, देवी गैया को मानवीय कार्यों द्वारा प्रदूषित, दूषित और क्षतिग्रस्त किया जाता है, तो लोग स्वस्थ और खुशहाल जीवन नहीं जी सकते। हमें यह समझने की आवश्यकता है कि मनुष्य प्रकृति से अलग नहीं हैं। यह पुस्तक जीवन की एकता का एक शक्तिशाली घोषणापत्र है।"
क्रिस्टोफर की चैपल
येल विश्वविद्यालय में धर्म और पारिस्थितिकी फोरम के सलाहकार।
"इस रमणीय संसाधन में सब कुछ है: व्यावहारिक निबंध, सुंदर चित्रण, राजस्थान में देखे गए पक्षियों के लिए एक फोटोग्राफिक गाइड, प्रेरणादायक कविता और एक चरण-दर-चरण सचित्र योग आसन अभ्यास! यह उपयोगी मार्गदर्शन प्रदान करता है क्योंकि दुनिया मानव-प्रकृति कनेक्टिविटी के बारे में अधिक ज ागरूकता के साथ आगे बढ़ती है।"
डॉ. लक्ष्मण सिंह राठौड़
सलाहकार संयुक्त राष्ट्र विकास कार्यक्रम (यूएनडीपी)
"नींद से जागना एक शारीरिक प्रक्रिया है; अज्ञानता से जागना आध्यात्मिक है। यह पुस्तक योग के माध्यम से प्रकृति की दिव्यता और परोपकारिता तक जागने के मार्ग के बारे में बहुमूल्य जानकारी देती है।"
मेनका संजय गांधी
पशु अधिकार कार्यकर्ता, पूर्व पर्यावरण, संस्कृति, महिला एवं बाल कल्याण मंत्री, भारत सरकार
"आप पेड़ हैं, मछली हैं, चींटी हैं, हाथी हैं। हर पत्ता जो तोड़ा जाता है, हर फूल जो काटा जाता है, वह आप ही हैं। हर दर्द जो वे महसूस करते हैं, हर खुशी की चाहत, आपको महसूस होनी चाहिए। हर बार जब उन्हें चोट लगती है, तो आपको भी चोट लगती है। अगर कोई ऐसी अवस्था में पहुँच जाता है जहाँ आप हर प्राणी के साथ एक हो जाते हैं, तो आप कभी किसी को दुःख नहीं पहुँचाएँगे। योग पारिस्थितिकी को समझना है और यह पुस्तक एक महत्वपूर्ण शिक्षक है।"