Title: From Ahimsa to Ecology: Local Interpretations of Gandhian Philosophy in the Context of Ashram Gandhi Puri, Bali
Authors: I Gede Suwantana; Relin D.E; I Made Adi Brahman; I Komang Suastika Arimbawa; Ni Wayan Sri Prabawati Kusuma Dewi
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 88-95
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
This study explores how the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy is locally interpreted and manifested in ecological practices at Ashram Gandhi Puri, Bali. Using a qualitative approach and case study method, this research traces how Gandhian values such as simplicity, swadeshi (self-reliance), and harmony with nature are not merely moral discourses, but are concretely practiced in the daily life of the ashram community. Various implementations-such as organic farming, the cultivation of ritual plants, and environmental education integrating spiritual and ecological ethics-serve as living testimonies to the vitality of Gandhi's teachings in a local context. These practices also reveal creative adaptations to Bali's unique social, cultural, and ecological challenges. The findings show that Ashram Gandhi Puri is not only a spiritual center but also a site of social-ecological experimentation that reflects the transformation of Gandhian philosophy into a contextual sustainability movement. This conclusion underscores the ongoing relevance of Gandhi's philosophy in responding to the global environmental crisis through meaningful local action.