Chinese Environmental Ethics: Religions, Ontologies, and Practices

This book explores how traditional Chinese religio-environmental ethics are put into social practice,how Chinese religious teachings offer resources for forging new ontologies for humans co-existing with other living beings,and how various religious practices have influenced environmental protection in China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This comprehensive volume explores the intricate relationship between Chinese environmental ethics,religious ontology,and religious practice, shedding light on how these traditional values are enacted in both historical and contemporary contexts. By delving into the rich tapestry of Chinese religious teachings, the book uncovers a wealth of resources that can be harnessed to forge new ontologies that promote harmonious coexistence between humans and other living beings.

The book begins by examining how Buddhist ontology avoids anthropocentrism, offering a philosophical framework that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings. It demonstrates how fengshui, the Chinese art of geomancy, can be employed to protect landscapes from the detrimental effects of economic development. Furthermore, it explores how popular religion organizes tree-planting campaigns, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among communities.

In addition, the book delves into ancient dream interpretation practices, which aimed to promote a non-possessive individual subjectivity that is at odds with modern consumerism. It highlights how Buddhist rituals and ethics promote compassion for animals and advocate for sustainable practices such as recycling. Moreover, it explores how Confucian ancestor rituals and tombs have deterred industrial expansion, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and natural resources.

The book also examines the potential role of Daoism in deterring desertification in northern China, highlighting the philosophical principles that promote harmony with nature. However, it notes that state operations in contemporary China have stymied this potential, emphasizing the complex interplay between religion, politics, and environmental policy.

In conclusion, this volume offers a groundbreaking exploration of the complex relationship between Chinese environmental ethics, religious ontology, and religious practice. By providing a comprehensive analysis of these interrelated aspects, the book contributes significantly to the scholarship on China and the environment, offering valuable insights into the ways in which traditional values are being adapted to address contemporary environmental challenges.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 230 x 153 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538156506