Spirituality in Action: An Interview with Pipal Tree's Founder

The Birth of an Interfaith Organization

In 1984, Pipal Tree India emerged from a simple yet profound realization: Activists often overlook the power of spirituality and religion. Founder Siddharta recognized the deep influence these forces hold in many people's lives and saw an opportunity to empower communities through a new lens.

Pipal Tree's mission is to weave together the personal, the social, and the ecological into a tapestry of sustainable development. They work with marginalized groups across India, from women farmers practicing sustainable agriculture to local governments tackling climate action and Adivasi youth developing leadership skills.

A Spiritual Journey into Activism

Siddhartha's path to founding Pipal Tree began with a Marxist understanding of politics, which eventually gave way to a search for spiritual grounding. His time in Paris as an international coordinator for an organization founded by Paulo Freire, the renowned Brazilian activist-intellectual, further shaped his perspective.

Drawn to Buddhism and Kashmiri Shaivism, Siddhartha found resonance in their emphasis on compassion, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all beings. This spiritual foundation informs Pipal Tree's approach, recognizing the importance of inner transformation alongside outward action.

"The outward journey of the arrow depends on the inward journey," Siddhartha explains, highlighting the essential link between personal spiritual growth and effective service to the community.

Bridging Spirituality and Social Action

Pipal Tree integrates spirituality into its work through practices like daily meditation at conferences and exploring personal and interpersonal issues. They also employ creative methods, such as interpreting religious sculptures and paintings through an ecological lens.

A striking example is their reimagining of the Lord Ganesh festival. By posing thoughtful questions about the festival's symbolism – connecting Ganesh's role as the remover of obstacles to community challenges, and his dual nature as half-human, half-nature to environmental responsibility – they spurred meaningful dialogue and inspired the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Gandhi's Influence: Horizontal Spirituality

Gandhi's philosophy of horizontal spirituality, which emphasizes finding liberation through service to the community, deeply resonates with Pipal Tree's work. Like Gandhi, they strive to connect spiritual practice with real-world action, addressing the needs of the poor and oppressed while advocating for environmental protection.

Following Gandhi's example, Pipal Tree utilizes non-violent methods like hunger fasts and foot pilgrimages as forms of protest and social change. They also engage in dialogue with diverse groups, including Hindu nationalists, seeking common ground and promoting understanding.

Addressing Caste, Gender, and Climate Justice

Pipal Tree recognizes the intersectionality of social justice issues. They acknowledge the enduring impact of the caste system while working to dismantle its discriminatory practices. They empower women through programs like the Millet Sisters initiative, promoting food sovereignty and recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture.

They highlight the connection between religious figures like Sita, the daughter of Mother Earth, and ecological responsibility. This approach weaves together spirituality, gender justice, and environmental awareness, creating a holistic approach to social change.

Interfaith Dialogue and the Path Forward

Pipal Tree fosters interfaith dialogue within its own organization and beyond, actively engaging with different religious communities to address shared concerns like climate justice and social equality. Siddhartha believes that building a "climate majority" is crucial for creating a sustainable future, emphasizing the need for collaboration across religious and ideological divides.

By integrating spirituality, interfaith dialogue, and a commitment to social and environmental justice, Pipal Tree offers a powerful model for building a more equitable and sustainable world.