THE 29 BISHNOIS RULES

Ecologists Since the 15th Century

Often called the “world’s first environmentalists”, the Bishnois follow 29 principles laid out in 1485 by their guru Jambheshwar, when he founded the Bishnoi community after a severe drought. The name is derived from Bish (20) and Noi (9). Several of the 29 life rules are wholly focused on environmental protection and compassion for living beings.

1. To observe segregation of the mother and newborn for 30 days after delivery.

2. To keep woman away from all activities for 5 days during her menstrual periods (to provide compulsory rest to the woman).

3. To take an early morning bath every day.

4. To maintain both external and internal cleanliness and remain content (good intentions, humble behaviour, good character,...).

5. To mediate twice a day at dawn and dusk.

6. To sing the Lord’s glory and recite his virtues every evening.

7. To offer daily oblation to the holy fire with a heart filled with feelings of welfare, love and devotion.

8. Use filtered water, milk and carefully cleaned fuel/ firewood (to prevent killing or burning insects).

9. Watch your speech. Think before you speak.

10. To be forgiving in nature.

11. To be compassionate.

12. Do not steal.

13. Do not condemn or criticize.

14. Do not lie.

15. Don’t indulge in any unnecessary / wasteful debates.

16. To fast and mediate on a new moon night.

17. To recite the holy name of Lord Vishnu.

18. To be compassionate towards all living beings.

19. Do not cut the green trees, save the environment.

20. To crush lust, anger, greed and attachment.

21. To only take food cooked by one’s self, or by a religious / pure person.

22. To provide a common shelter (Thhat) for goat/sheep to avoid them being slaughtered.

23. Don’t sterlize bulls.

24. Don’t use opium.

25. Don’t smoke and use tobacco.

26. Don’t smoke and cultivate cannabis.

27. Don’t drink alcohol.

28. Don’t eat meat or non-vegetarian dishes; feed and protect wildlife.

29. Don’t use blue coloured clothes (in ancient India, the blue color used to be obtained from indigo trees; blue is also the color of death).

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PORTFOLIO BISHNOIS

THE BISHNOIS

Ecologists since the 15th century, the Bishnois of Rajasthan, India have made wildlife and environment protection their life’s work. In a world where environmental issues are ever more pressing, the age-old Bishnoi traditions can certainly teach us something.

BISHNOI WOMEN

Since the 15th century, the Bishnois have highly respected women. The founder, guru Jambheshwar, created 29 principles of which the first two are dedicated to preserving women’s good health : Maternity leave and Rest during their menstrual periods.