Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto
Confucianism |
Explore the Faith for Earth Resource
In this section you will learn about the origins of Confucianism and how it's changed over time, the importance of kinship, and the value of respecting the flow of nature and its seasons.
Open the Resource Download Open the Resource
Introduction: Confucian Statement on Ecology
Daoism |
Explore the Faith for Earth Resource
In this section you will read sections from Daoism's sacred text, the Dao, which describe what the Dao is and how to embody its principles. You will also learn about the Ecoological Temple Network and what its doing to promote ecological living.
Open the Resource Download Open the Resource
Introduction: The Daoist Faith Statement
Shinto |
Explore the Faith for Earth Resource
In this section you will learn about the connection between nature and the earliest Shinto shrines and read a Shinto prayer, poem, and words of wisdom from two Shinto poets.
Open the Resource Download Open the Resource
Introduction: The Shinto Faith Statement on Nature
Getting A Sounding: Voices from Around the World |
Podcast Construction Zone
Questions for Classroom & Community |
- In Confucian philosophy, our humanness (jen) causes us to have the “inability to bear” the suffering of another, including animals, and the material world. What are some strategies we can avoid being overwhelmed by those feelings into inaction and instead be motivated to protect what we feel is suffering?
- According to the Confucian view, all humans are innately good and have seeds of virtue which need to be cultivated. How would embracing this point of view change the way you relate to others?
- What are some ways that you might, in the Daoist sense, obey the earth in its “rule of movement?”
- How might someone learn what the earth can sustain— in terms of actions or ways of living – that aligns with the Daoist imperative to preserve harmony and balance in nature? What does it look like to live in a way that preserves harmony and balance in the world around you?
- How might we relate to the earth and nature in the “the spirit of reverence and gratitude” as the Shinto tradition encourages?
- What practices of purification do you do regularly (or on special occasions), that a follower of Shinto may see as a spiritual act? If you don’t currently do any purification practices, how could you incorporate one into your daily life?
Additional Resources |
Interested in learning more? Explore the additional resources below:
- Confusianism Links to an external site., Daoism Links to an external site., and Shinto Links to an external site. -- Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology
- Trees that Fight Back: Shinto and the Environment in Japan Links to an external site. Averill Earls; Dig A History Podcast
- Japanese Monks Recorded the Climate for 700 Years Links to an external site. National Geographic
- Remembrance Lake Links to an external site. Reuters
- Click on the Next button below to continue on in this module. ▼