Spiritual Ecology in Sri Aurobindo and Henry David Thoreau: Nature as a Path to Integral Consciousness and Ecological Ethics
International Journal of Versatile Research and Analysis July 1, 2026 Dr Shipra Malik
The paper argues that the ecological crisis is fundamentally a crisis of consciousness and values, not merely a scientific or political problem. Comparing Sri Aurobindo and Henry David Thoreau, it shows that both thinkers reject the dualistic separation of humans from nature, instead viewing nature as a living expression of a higher reality. Aurobindo's Integral Consciousness and Thoreau's transcendental vision are presented as complementary paradigms that ground ecological sustainability in inner transformation, ethical responsibility, and spiritual awakening. The study contributes to environmental humanities and comparative eco-spirituality by bringing Eastern Integral Philosophy into dialogue with American Transcendentalism.