Śrīmad Rājcandra’s Spiritual Biophilia from a Jain Perspective
Religions March 2, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3390/rel17030310 via OpenAlex
Summary
This paper expands the concept of biophilia by adding a mystical dimension called spiritual biophilia, drawn from the works of modern Jain Ācārya Śrīmad Rājcandra. It argues that spiritual experiences can deepen human connection to nature and promote ecological ethics. Combining ecology, mysticism, and Jain philosophy, the study shows how Śrīmad’s insights support the biophilia hypothesis and encourage ethical stewardship, sustainable living, and interfaith dialogue on environmental issues. The paper advocates for integrating spiritual and moral dimensions into environmental education, policy, and personal commitment to preserving the natural world.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Integrating a Jain mystical perspective—spiritual biophilia—into the biophilia hypothesis can foster deeper ecological ethics and sustainable living by emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of human-nature relationships. |
Abstract
This interdisciplinary study expands the concept of biophilia by integrating a mystical dimension—spiritual biophilia—through an in depth exploration of biophilic themes in the works of modern Jain Ācārya Śrīmad Rājcandra. This paper aims to expand the concept of biophilia by incorporating a mystical aspect—spiritual biophilia—to emphasize the holistic nurturing of both the planet and the human spirit, promoting ecological ethics in the form of understanding a human spiritual connection to nature in contemporary society. By combining insights from ecology, mysticism, and Jain philosophy, this research aims to foster a deeper appreciation of nature’s inherent value and promote ecological ethics. Śrīmad’s writings and mystical insights provide valuable perspectives on how spiritual experiences can deepen connections to ecological preservation, foster interfaith dialogues on global environmental issues, and enrich contemporary environmental humanities through a biophilia lens. His insights support the biophilia hypothesis and its link to mystical experiences from a Jain perspective, potentially encouraging ethical stewardship and environmental care. The paper discusses key principles of biophilia and their significance to environmental ethics, focusing on mutual respect and ethical considerations for all living entities. It explores spiritual biophilia in Śrīmad Rājcandra’s writings and engages with traditional texts from his lineage that align with the biophilia hypothesis, advocating for sustainable living and environmental stewardship. By integrating a Jain perspective, this study seeks to enhance the biophilia hypothesis with spiritual and moral dimensions, promoting a deeper appreciation of nature’s inherent value with broader implications for environmental education, policy, community engagement, and personal commitment to connecting with and preserving the natural world by considering the spiritual dimensions of human-nature relationships.