The value of nature in Indian (Hindu) traditions

Many authors claim that certain Indian (Hindu) texts and traditions deny that nature has intrinsic value. If nature has value at all, it has value only as a means to moksa (liberation). This view is implausible as an interpretation of any Indian tradition that accepts the doctrines of ahimsa (non-harm) and karma. The proponent must explain the connection between ahimsa and merit by citing the connection between ahimsa and moksa: ahimsa is valuable, and therefore produces merit, because ahimsa is instrumentally valuable as a means to moksa. Ahimsa is a means to moksa, however, because it produces merit. Hence the explanation is circular. Additionally, this view entails that morality is strictly arbitrary - it might just as well be that himsa (harm) produces merit, and ahimsa produces demerit. An alternative interpretation that avoids these problems states that the value of ahimsa derives from the intrinsic value of the unharmed entities.