The ancient wisdom of Prakriti (प्रकृति) in Hindu philosophy is a very rich term, apart from the present understanding that connects well to theories of environmental ethics to the present time. The deeper you'll get to the environmental dimension of Hinduism, the more you'll realize it offers a long and elaborate understanding of nature, which can stand as something with modern environmentalism.  

Prakriti in Hindu Philosophy 

Prakriti refers to an original nature or material principle according to Hindu philosophy. Hinduism considers human beings to be part of Prakriti, opposed to most Western philosophical traditions, which separate humans from nature. Being "part of" - and not apart from - Prakriti creates the possibility of the relationship sustaining the aspect of the environment.

Prakriti has referred to creation in the most illumined of texts, the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts of Hinduism. This is found in Chapter 13, verse 20:

"Know that both Prakriti and Purusha are unbeginning and know that all modifications and all qualities are born of Prakriti" (Bhagavad Gita 13.20).   

From this, we can assume that nature is the force behind all divine creations where all matter originates. In Chapter 7, verses 4-5, Krishna explains further: 

> "These are My lower Prakriti: Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect and ego. Know that My higher nature, which is the life element, sustains the universe." (Bhagavad Gita 7.4-5) 

Sacred Texts and Environmental Ethics   

Numerous hymns in the Atharvaveda, which is one of the 4 Vedas, pay homage to Earth (Bhumi) as the sustainer of all life. This powerful statement is found in Atharvaveda 12.1.35: > 

"The Earth is my mother and I am her son; Heaven is my father and may he fill us with plenty." 

An all-important eco-ethical introduction of the Ishavasya Upanishad is:    

"Everything in the universe belongs to the Divine. Therefore take only what you need, that is set aside for you. Do not take anything else, for you know to whom it belongs." (Ishavasya Upanishad, verse 1). 

Sustainable consumption, as contemporarily conceived, is remarkably expressed in this verse written thousands of years ago. It is take only that which one needs, recognizing that such resources belong to all beings other than humankind. 

Practical Application in Contemporary Life

"Incorporating this ancient wisdom into contemporary practice for the Hindu is likely to translate as:    

1. Respect for all forms of life''; the precept ahimsa, or "non-harm," might extend even beyond humans to all creatures. Naturally, this leads to practices like vegetarianism or less meat consumption, significantly reducing one's diet footprint. 

2. Mindful Consumption: To question whether we need what we consume is the yogic condition of aparigraha (non-possessiveness). It promotes simplicity and thus reduces waste and resource depletion. 

3. Interconnectedness: The Upanishadic maxim Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam reminds us that environmental damage localized anywhere actually impacts all people elsewhere. This awareness then can influence choices of which products to purchase in global supply chains. 

4. Sacred Geography: In Hinduism, rivers like the Ganga, mountains like the Himalayas, and trees like the peepal are considered sacred. That renders powerful motivation for protecting the environment through this tradition of perceiving divinity in nature.  

 Adopting Hindu Environmental Ethics

As you adopt Hindu traditions, consider applying in your life one or more of these practices: 

- Commencing your day with Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), acknowledging the fact that we rely on solar energy 

- Exercising the practice of gratitude before meals, recognizing interconnected systems that bring food to your plate 

- Observing certain fasts days, reducing consumerism of resources 

- Planting sacred trees, such as tulsi (holy basil), which purifies the air and thus connects you to tradition  

This integrated approach is beautifully summed up in the Bhagavata Purana (11.2.41):  

"Ether, air, fire, water, earth, planets, all creatures, directions, trees and plants, rivers and seas, they are all organs of God's body. Remembering this, a devotee respects all species." 

Environmental consciousness in Hinduism is an integral expression of spirituality, and of the practice in which such spirituality manifests. Through this, one sees Prakriti as being divine and understands that within this, one is not just following a religion but actually a way of life that is sustainable on a shared planet.